sRHHn 
aBBHS 



9EHR9P 






n^ral 









£» 



m 



BBHHi 



Bg2fl 






sy**gjy< 



i ."*■',*.■'-» *" 



SBPSl 



^S^SSfe 




lH 



EUl 

i :'■■ 

Hi 




IE M 



J 









3£«^£^? 



{library of congress. I 

^ # 

t [SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] i\ 



# # 

! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ! 



lEttoIkfas of k Sttpramutafc 



OR, 



SKETCHE 



L»»* 




OF 



LIFE, LABOR, AND EXPERIENCE 



IN THE 



METHODIST ITINERANCY. 



BY 



EEV. DAVID LEWIS, 

I \ 

OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 

EDITED BY KEY. S. M. MERRILL 




CINCINNATI: 

PRINTED AT THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN, 
FOR THE AUTHOR. 



R. P. THOMPSON, PRINTER 
1857. 







Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, 

BY DAVID LEWIS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District 

of Ohio. 



J 

m 
Q 

cr 



PREFACE. 



•++- 



"Of making books there is no end;" and no 
doubt the publication of works of superior merit 
on scientific, literary, and religious subjects, is 
accomplishing much good. But these do not 
meet the whole demand. Many will be enter- 
tained and profited by the perusal of works of 
humbler pretensions. For this class of persons 
this volume is designed. 

In presenting it to the public, the Author is 

fully sensible that a mass of prejudice must be 

encountered. Some regard such publications as 

unnecessary in this day, when such immense 

quantities of reading matter are issuing from 

the teeming press ; others think it particularly 

unbecoming in any one to write his own history. 

But, being unable to see any impropriety in the 

course, the Author has yielded to the solicitations 

3 



4 PREFACE. 

of bis friends, who have repeatedly expressed 
their desire that he should do it, and prepared 
these " sketches/' which he now sends forth, with 
his sincere prayer to the Father of mercies, that 
his blessing may attend this last effort of an old 
man to benefit his fellow-men, and that the little 
book may be rendered subservient to some useful 
purpose. 

This is a reading age. There is little danger 
of producing too many books for the demand ; but 
there is some danger that in these fast times 
the prevailing taste will require too many pub- 
lications of a peculiar kind — light, trashy, cor- 
rupting — while solid truths in plain dress will 
be overlooked. The "rage" is for something 
new, fresh, racy; the Author does not presume 
to have produced a work that will meet this 
fashionable "rage." He has spoken of olden 
times, of familiar truths, in a plain way. As a 
writer, he makes no pretensions beyond the mere 
statement of what he knows. He writes not for 
the critic, but for the common reader ; and those 
who can not be entertained with the narration of 
the every-day life of the Methodist preacher, he 
can .not hope to please. He has not aimed at 



PREFACE. 



elaborate polish, or rhetorical ornament; he claims 
no striking originality or peculiar felicity of style ; 
and sincerely requests all who read these pages 
to refrain from uncharitable criticism, and to pray 
that God's blessing may rest upon the truths 
inculcated, so that the name of the Lord may 
be glorified. 

To all his old friends among whom he has 
gone preaching the Gospel, the Author would 
commend the little volume, without any formal 
"dedication." He has been much profited, and 
whiled away pleasantly many hours of his u super- 
annuated" life, in writing these "recollections;" 
and if the reader should be in the least bene- 
fited in perusing them, he will be amply re- 
warded for his toil. 

Johnstown, 0., .August, 1856. 



CONTENTS. 



-♦♦♦- 



OHAPTEK I. 

EARLY LIFE AND EXPERIENCE. 

Place of birth — Parents — Mother's pious conversation — Early convic- 
tions — Good resolutions— Satan's delusion — Attend Church with uncle 
and aunt — Great thoughtlessness — A strange scene — Pride — Mother's 
admonition — Wicked reply — Conviction — Deep anguish — Firm resolu- 
tion — Penitence — Earnest struggle — Sins pardoned — Happy change — 
Further prayer — The witness of the Spirit — First profession — Happy 
meeting — Exhort sinners — Concern for the unconverted— Unite with 
Baptist Church — Bigotry — Baptist ministers — First sight of a Methodist 
preacher — Good advice neglected — Strong temptation — Rash deter- 
mination — Snares of Satan — Backslidden state — New epoch-— Strange 
preacher — Interesting discourse — Rev. Joseph Mitchell — Awakened — 
Restored — Methodist preachers — Slander — Sister converted — Father's 
opposition to Methodism — Sister's happy death Page 15 

CH APTEE II. 

JOIN THE METHODISTS — COMMENCE PREACHING. 

Attachment to Methodism — Opposition of the Baptist minister — Result 
of fighting the truth — Married — Go into business — Selling rum — Con- 
sequence — Move to Plattsburg — Methodist meetings — Determination 
formed — Join the Methodist Episcopal Church — Wife joins — New relig- 
ious interest — Holiday meetings — Persecution— Prayer answered — Op- 
poser converted — New society formed — Impressions in reference to 
preaching — Want of qualification — Embarrassment — Mind made up — 
Lincensed to exhort — Employed to fill the preacher's place — Licensed to 
preach — Employed on Fletcher circuit, first quarter — First sermon- 
Temptation — Yow — Woman converted — Encouragement — Employed on 
Dunham circuit, Lower Canada — Destitute neighborhoods — Obstinate 
woman — British dominions — Better prospects — Obstinate woman con- 

7 



8 CONTENTS. 

verted — Hard fare — Good homes — Bigelow family — Anderson family- 
Horse lost — Mind beclouded — Deliverance — Opposer converted — Close 
of first itinerant year Page 33 

CHAPTER III. 

FLETCHER CIRCUIT — UNDER THE ELDER. 

Yacancy left— Rev. F. Brown — Opposition to Methodism — Circuit distant 
from home — Waterbury — Good meetings — Temptation — Humbling views 
of self — Responsibility of the Christian ministry — Jericho — A Calvin- 
istic objector — Mr. S. W. — Colloquy— St. Alban's Point — Conversion of 
N. White — First Methodist sermon in Fairfield — Preaching in a new 
place — Marks of true prosperity — Close of the year 49 

CHAPTER IV. 

GRAND ISLE CIRCUIT. 

Admitted on trial in the New York conference — The Grand Isle circuit — 
Narrow quarters — South Island — Good neighbors — Appointment in 
Canada — A wonderful sermon — Nature and duty of confession — A camp 
meeting — Discouragement — Success — Advantages of camp meetings — 
Good result — Quarterly meeting in a barn — Exchange with brother 
B. — Intemperate young man — Appointments neglected — A crooked 
stick — A perilous ride — Providential deliverance — We know not when 
we do most good — Close of the year — Cost of living — Blessed hope- -63 

CHAPT ER Y. 

BRANDON CIRCUIT — FIRST YEAR. 

Size of the circuit — Rev. T. Madden — British oppression — Interview with 
Major Powell — American tories — Sentiments respecting the war — Evils 
of war — Anticipation of universal peace — Irreligious tendency of the 
times — Mount Holly — Long rides — Kind friends — Pittsford — State of 
religion — Want of meeting-houses — Brandon village — Leister — Judge 
Olin — Methodist polity — Rev. S. Draper — An incident — Conference — 
Elected and ordained deacon — A spoiled preacher — Humility desired -75 

CHAPTEK VI. 

BRANDON CIRCUIT — SECOND YEAR. 

A new colleague — What the "big-head" did — Hard circuits not shunned — 
New Haven, Vermont — Route to East Bay — Rev. Mr. W., and deacon 
M. — Colloquy — Sudbury — First sermon — Advantage of good lungs — 
The good class-leader — The Plague — Controversy not desirable — Happy 



CONTENTS. 9 

year — Conference in New York city — Preaching — City and country 
Methodists — Oneness of Methodism — Conference business — Liberality 
of "mine host" Page 86 

CHAPTER VII. 

CHARLOTTE CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

Generosity of Major H. — Bad roads — No house rented — Goods stored 
under a shed — Infidel physician — His skepticism learned in College — 
A great mistake — The appropriate work of the Church — Importance of 
Christian education — Infidel Doctor awakened — His deep sorrow — His 
conversion — Happy change — His subsequent course — Field for useful- 
ness — Start to camp meeting, on Brandon circuit — Became sick on the 
road — Long affliction — Battle of Plattsburg — Incidents of the contest — 
A glorious victory — The battle of life — The final triumph — Methodism 
on the circuit — Conference in Albany — Ordained elder — Dr. Phoebus' 
sermon — Return to the circuit — Bev. N. White — Starksboro — Twin 
brothers — Novel call to settle as pastor — Reply — Changes — Perma- 
nency of Methodist doctrines — Methodist Church government not op- 
pressive, to ministers or members — Close of the term of service — Power 
of Gospel truth • • 95 

CHAPTEE VIII. 

BRANDON CIRCUIT, AGAIN TWO YEARS 

Move to Hubbardston — Rev. J. Byington — Poultney — New Appointment — 
The privilege of singing — An interesting scene — Young converts — • 
Enticed to join the Baptists — Return with their parents — Locked out 
of the school-house — An unconverted friend — Better days — Cold, dry 
season — Scarcity of food— A day of fasting and prayer in Sudbury — 
The wicked want prayer in time of danger — Illustration— Close of the 
year — Quarterly meeting — Eloquent preaching — Conference at Middle- 
bury, Vermont — Preaching of Bishops M'Kendree, George, and Dr. 
Emory — Return to the circuit — Rev. James Cowl — Manner of labor — > 
Power of religion — Exhortation to the reader — Prosperous year — Mount 
Holly — Interview with a Predestinarian — Common source of error — 
Fatal reasoning from Calvinistic premises — The right spirit 108 

CHAPTEE IX. 

POWNAL CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

The Rev. Jacob Hall — Hoosack — Petersburg — Pather joins the Method- 
ists — Oldest brother a local preacher — Pownal society — Williamstown, 
Massachusetts — Presbyterian tax-law — Charged with preaching Calvin- 



10 CONTENTS. 

ism — Ignorance respecting Methodism — Colloquy on Baptism — Power 
of early impressions — Close of the year — Friendly greetings — Manner 
of traveling to conference — The Rev. N. Levings — Rev. D. Ostrander — 
Presiding eldership — Difficulty of dispensing with the office— Quarterly 
meeting at Adams's Noch — An extraordinary sermon — Natural and gra- 
cious ability contrasted — A Colloquy — A funeral sermon — The Rev. Mr. 
B. — Conversations on Baptism — Play upon a word — Rev. Mr. S. preach- 
ing that we are under obligation to do what we can not do — Why record 
familiar conversations? — Camp meeting — Its results — Conversion of 
a son — His subsequent life and death — Blessed hope — Close of the 
year Page 124 

CHAPTEE X. 

CAMBRIDGE CIRCUIT — FIRST YEAR. 

Move to Cambridge — Irish members — Quotation from Rev. Bishop Hed- 
ding — Father Baker, as class-leader — Model financier — Rev. D. J. 
Wright — Temptation — Self-examina.tion — Conviction of the necessity of 
holiness — Nature of this conviction — Seeking full redemption — Earn- 
est struggle — Continuous seeking — Increasing joy — Fort Edward — 
Sandy Hill — Wrestling with God — Assault of the enemy — Tempta- 
tion resisted — Faith prevails — Melting, overpowering joy — Profession 
of perfect love — Exhortation to holiness — Sore affliction — Loss of a 
daughter — Beep sense of bereavement — The doctrine of the resurrec- 
tion of the dead becomes precious — Revival of the work of holiness — 
Enemies to the doctrine — Paul's profession — The doctrine of Christian 
perfection defined and defended — Objection answered — Source of 
light— Prayer for holiness — Close of the year 144 

CHAPTER XI. 

CAMBRIDGE CIRCUIT — SECOND YEAR. 

Returned without a colleague — Old friends — Controversy not unneces- 
sary — Character of pioneer preachers — Methodism not yet understood — 
Success in counteracting prejudices — Conversion of a rigid Calvinist — ■ 
Brother King and the minister — Reason and faith — Brother King and 
Judge R. — Conversation with the Judge — Infant salvation— Judge R. 
converted — Skeptical men, with pious wives — Inspiration of the Scrip- 
tures proved by prophecy — Incongruities of infidels — Two sermons in 
the Baptist Church — Advocates for perseverance — Argument from the 
parable of the leaven hid in meal — Spiritual enjoyment — Hinderance to 
the work of conversion — An incident — The grace of Christ better than 
Popish absolution — Perilous situation — Providential preservation — Close 
of the year — Cheering hope 163 



CONTENTS. 11 

CHAPTER XII. 

BEEN CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

An unexpected appointment — Rev. H. Ames — First dissatisfaction — Un- 
comfortable quarters — Move to Rensselaerville — Reconciled to the field 
of labor — Prostrate condition of the circuit — Indications of good — 
Middletown — Calvinistic opposition — A short address — Revival of Re- 
ligion — Scoharrie — A converted pugilist — Preacher's body-guard — 
General prosperity — Close of first year — Interview with Bishop George — 
Returned — New-Light preacher — His zeal in propagating Unitarian- 
ism— Manner of preaching against the Deity of Christ — Proposed 
reply — Excitement — Sermon on John i, 1 — Result — Pastoral visiting 
with the unconverted — A fiery woman — Her conversion — The Glass- 
works — " I glory in the water " — A rigid Calvinist — Infant damna- 
tion — Number of the elect — Revolutionary soldier and the " tithing- 
man " — Better been preaching the Gospel — The fullness and freeness 
of the grace of Christ — Close of the year Page 179 

CHAPTEK XIII. 

KINGSTON CIROUI T — T WO YEARS. 

Satisfactory appointment — Kingston — Hard place for Methodism — Rev. 
John Kennedy — The settled minister — Preacher from Long Island — 
Extent of the atonement — Marbletown — Impertinent young man re- 
proved — Baptists — The example of Christ — Incidental circumstances 
not essential to Christian ordinances — Preparations for conference which 
are important — Close of first year — Returned to the circuit — Rev. F. 
W. Smith — Move to Saugerties — Keeping boarders — Conclude to move 
to Ohio — Economy practiced — The work on the circuit — Glass-works 
appointments — Rough country — Want of energy — Poverty and riches — 
Attachment to the people — Good hope. * 211 

CHAPTER XIY. 

MOVE WEST — LOCATE — EMPLOYED BY THE ELDER. 
Conference in New York — Interesting time — Granted a supernumerary 
relation — Bishop George — His opinion of Ohio — Farewell — Start west — ■ 
Nazareth township — The first Sabbath on the road — Second Sabbath — ■ 
Carlisle, Penn.— Brother Griffin— Kind friends— Third Sabbath, spent 
in the Mountains — Fourth Sabbath, spent in Virginia — A dance- 
Arguments for dancing — The subject dropped — Manner of traveling — 
Reach Ohio — Route to Berkshire — Arrive at our destination — Meeting 
with friends — First sermon in Ohio — Services in demand — Columbus 



12 CONTENTS, 

circuit quarterly meeting — Presbyterian convinced — Mr. Dus tin— Com- 
mence business — Building a cabin — Locate — Nominally a local preach- 
er — Camp meeting — Knox county brethren — Regular appointment — 
Black Lick camp meeting — Rev. S. Carpenter — Columbus quarterly 
meeting — Rev. C. Springer — Radical defection — Employed on Fairfield 
circuit — Extent of the work — Healing the disaffected — Failure of " Re- 
formers " — Declining spirituality — Close of the year — Rev. L. Sworm- 
stedt's camp meeting — Attend the Ohio conference first time. ..Page 221 

CHAPTER XV. 

DELAWARE CIRCUIT — ONE YEAE. 

Readmitted to the traveling connection — Rev. S. P. Shaw — Rev. R. Bige- 
low — Extent of Delaware circuit — Bad roads— Delaware — Welsh broth- 
er — Discipline — Marion — The strong man armed — Wyandott camp 
meeting — Indian worship — Missionary spirit — Young chief — Indian civ- 
ilization — Camp meeting on Delaware circuit — Close of the year — Con- 
ference in Lancaster — Bishop Soule — Rev. A. W. Elliott — Appointed 
to Pickaway circuit — Death of brother Baird — Building a parsonage.. 23 9 

CHAPTER XYI. 

PICKAWAY C I R C U I T — T WO YEARS. 

Boundary of the circuit — Character of the country — Revival in Circle- 
ville — Revival in Royalton^-Sudden conversions — Lakin Chapel — So- 
ciety organized in Kingston — Hopewell — Generosity — Lithopolis — Camp 
meetings on Adelphi, Deer Creek, and Hillsboro circuits — Result of 
the year's labor — Conference in Mansfield — Bishop Hedding — A year 
of general prosperity — Rev. Jacob Dixon — Rev. A. Eddy — Old father 
Crouse — A noble example — Methodizing new converts — Dealing with 
delinquents — A good rule — South part of the circuit — Swiftness of 
time — Attachment to the people — Close of the second year 247 

CHAPTER XYII . 

DEER CREEK CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

Rev. J. A. Reader— Condition of the charge — Old Town— Right kind of 
reception — Helps and hinderances to pastoral visiting — Call from the 
Baptist minister — Conversation on doctrines — Gracious, versus Natural 
ability — Calvinistic paradox — Folly of trying to modify Calvinism — 
Regular routine of duty — A camp meeting — Rev. C. C. Lybrand — Wil- 
liamsport — New-Lights — Preaching on the Deity of Christ — Rev. Mr. 
Harvey's reply — Rejoinder — Power of truth — Close of the year— Old 
friends — Reviving hope 260 



CONTENTS. 13 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

ONE YEAR WITHOUT REGULAR WORK. 

Bequest to be left without appointment — Conference hesitates on prin- 
ciple' — Request granted — Sickness and death of oldest son — Comfort in 
bereavement — Faith in Providence — Quarterly meeting in Columbus, 
Granville, Newark, and Lancaster — Camp meeting below Kingston — A 
year of sacrifice Page 269 

CHAPTER XIX. 

MARIETTA AND ADELPHI CIRCUITS. 

Rev. M. P. Kellogg — Marietta — Sanctified learning — "Revivals — Slave 
case — Spirit of freedom — Year of affliction — Death of another son — Rev. 
S. Hamilton — Grace sufficient — Narrow escape from injury — Appointed 
to Adelphi — Rev. B. Ellis — Dyspeptic — Remedy — Queer Creek — Crooked 
men — Camp meeting — Happy sight — Close of the year 274 

CHAPTER XX. 

GRANVILLE CIRCUIT SUPERANNUATED. 

Rev. J. T. Donohoe — Parsonage — Settlement of Granville — Congrega- 
tional Church — Rev. J. Little — Baptists — Episcopalians — Welsh — 
Methodism in Granville — First and second quarterly meetings — Rev. J. 
Young — An incident — Long and severe illness — Near the Jordan of 
death — Blessed prospect — Convalescent — Happy meeting with friends — 
A Psalm of praise — Conference in Columbus — Superannuated — Em- 
ployed in the spring — Arrival of a brother — Happy association — Meet- 
ing in heaven 282 

CHAPTER XXI. 

LITHOPOLIS AND HEBRON CIRCUITS. 

Formation of Lithopolis circuit — Rev. J. Young — Centenary subscrip- 
tion — Groveport — How it got its name — Methodism flourishing — Camp 
meeting at Needles's — Glorious winding up — Conference in Zanesville — 
Bishop Hedding — Political excitement — Preachers and Politics — Party 
strife detrimental to religion — Formation of Hebron circuit — Old 
friends — Rev. M. Fate — Brownsville, Linnville, George's Chapel, etc. .291 

CHAPTER XXII. 

GLANCE AT SEVERAL YEAR S — C ONCLUSION. 

Revs. W. T. Hand and J. A. Bruner— Rev. R. 0. Spencer— Granville 
circuit — C. W. Lewis — Protracted meetings — Major Warren — Blendon 



14 CONTENTS. 

circuit — Rev. N. Emory — Westervilie Academy— Millerism — Johnstown 
circuit — Character of the work — Irville circuit — Hebron circuit— Rev. 
P. A. Mutchner — Rev. W. Webster — Thornville circuit — Rev. B. Ellis — 
Camp meeting — Rev. J. M. Jameson — Exchange with Rev. J. Gilruth — 
Supernumerary — Baltimore circuit — Rev. A. B. See — Pickerington 
circuit — Rev. A. Fleming — Rev. R. Pitzer — Groveport circuit — Last 
colleague — Retire from the work — Superannuate — Health and employ- 
ment since — Glance over the past — Present comforts and prospects — A 
delicate subject — Appeal to the Church — Closing invocation... Page 299 



RECOLLECTIONS OF A SUPERANNUATE. 



-♦♦« 



CHAPTER I. 

EARLY LIFE AND EXPERIENCE. 

I WAS born in the state of. Connecticut, in Feb- 
ruary, 1783. My parents were both pious members 
of the Baptist Church, having experienced religion 
prior to their marriage. From my earliest recollec- 
tion my father prayed in the family, and craved the 
Divine blessing upon the food before eating. My 
mother often conversed with her children in reference 
to the salvation of their souls, and told them of the 
blessed Savior — of his condescending love, and of 
his suffering and death to save a guilty world. My 
tender mind would often be seriously impressed, but, 
0, the depravity of the heart ! Soon all would be 
forgotten, and childish sports absorb my thoughts. 
Sometimes, however, the day of judgment would 
appear before me in solemn array, and fill me with 
fear and trembling. Once, when about six or seven 
years old, while walking toward my father's barn, 
sudden thoughts of death and judgment flashed upon 
my mind, filling me with such awful forebodings, 

that I wished I had never been born. Annihi- 

15 



16 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

lation seemed desirable to me. Indeed, I did wish 
it possible to sink into nothing, in order to avoid 
standing before God ; for I knew myself to be a 
sinner, and felt conscious that I could not s be saved 
in that condition. I now began to form resolutions 
of amendment, frequently promising myself to do 
better, but soon lost my good desires. At length I 
became deeply impressed with the worth of my soul, 
and determined to be religious, but to allow no one 
to know it. This was a stratagem of Satan. He 
suggested that I could have religion and keep it 
to myself; and, by falling into this delusion, I once 
more lost my good impressions. I was not out- 
wardly immoral, yet the Spirit often led me to feel 
that my heart was wicked. 

I went on in this way, vowing amendment and 
breaking vows, till I was about thirteen years of age. 
That winter I was sent to board with an uncle for 
the purpose of attending school. On one Sabbath 
day in February, I attended Church with my uncle 
and aunt, but thought only of enjoying the sleigh 
ride, having no concern for the salvation of my soul. 
The meeting was held in a private house, which was 
crowded to overflowing. After the preaching was 
over, I observed a number of people in another room, 
including the minister, my father — who was deacon 
in the Church — and many other prominent members; 
and out of curiosity I crowded in. The room was 
quite full, the young people standing on the benches 
next to the wall, all weeping ; while near the minister, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 17 

a man stood up talking and crying as if nearly 
overcome with emotion. I looked round upon the 
young persons who were affected to tears, with a 
feeling of disdain; and the pride of my heart 
prompted me to say that I would not stand up there 
and weep as they were doing for all the world. 0, 
how thoughtless I then was ! I knew not what the 
man was talking about, nor why the people wept. 
I felt ashamed for them. Afterward I learned that 
God had converted this man, and several others, and 
he was now telling what great things had been done 
for him. 

The meeting closed and I went home, still thinking 
nothing about seeking religion, or trying to serve 
God. Xo harassing views of death and judgment 
then obtruded upon my thoughts. The next morn- 
ing, with my young heart bounding with merriment, 
I went home to my father's, and, as usual, went in 
talking and laughing. My mother spoke kindly to 
me, and said, " David, what makes you so rude ? 
Zebulon and Polly — my oldest brother and sister — 
and all the young people are setting out to be Chris- 
tians, and I am afraid you will be left to go to hell 
alone." Looking my mother full in the face, I said, 
U I would not act so much like salvation!" This 
was the first, and, thank God ! the last time I ever 
spoke lightly of religion. My mother sighed and 
lifted up her heart to God, and with strong faith 
invoked divine mercy upon her wicked son. I 
walked to the door and stepped upon the porch, 



18 RECOLLECTIONS. OF 

and just then my mind was suddenly and powerfully 
impressed with the wickedness of the language used 
to my mother. Light from heaven flashed into my 
guilty heart, and discovered to me the wretchedness 
of my condition as a wicked sinner. I started for 
the barn, and it seemed that the earth would open 
to swallow me up. Hell appeared to yawn beneath 
my feet. The agony of my soul was inexpressible. 
Overwhelmed with anguish, I fell prostrate upon the 
earth, and exclaimed, " Whatever others may do, 
I will plead for mercy!" 

My mind w T as now made up to w T ait for none of my 
companions, but to engage at once in the great work 
of preparing to meet God. I went back to my 
uncle's a deeply-convicted boy, and for four weeks 
groaned and prayed for the pardon of my sins. 
Sometimes it appeared that there was no mercy for 
me ; sleep departed from my eyes, and I found no 
rest day or night. I attended meeting, but carried 
my guilt with me and carried it home again. Wher- 
ever I went a load of guilt pressed me down. Bear- 
ing my hell about in my own bosom, my daily prayer 
was, " God be merciful to me a sinner/' "Save, 
Lord, I perish." I thus passed four weeks, lacking 
one day, in pleading and groaning for mercy and 
pardon, when, on Sabbath morning, — ! that blessed 
morning, I shall never forget it — I started to go to 
my father's, and having gone perhaps halfway, I 
kneeled by the side of a fence to ask God once more 
to pardon my sins, and then it appeared to me that 



A SUPERANNUATE. 19 

God frowned upon me from above, and that hell was 
ready to open and receive me. I then thought all 
was lost, but perceived so clearly the sinfulness of 
my heart, and. the justice of God's law, that I only 
expressed my true feelings when I said, "Lord, 
if thou shouldst send me to hell, it is nothing more 
than I deserve ; but while sinking down to the bot- 
tomless pit, I will cry for mercy.' ' Just at that 
moment, I saw the blessed Jesus, by the eye of faith, 
as clearly as with the natural eye — I saw his smiling 
countenance, the most glorious ever beheld — and 
heard him say in my heart, " Young man, be not 
concerned, thy sins are all forgiven thee !" 

Now the gaping hell was closed beneath— heaven, 
no longer brass, was opened to my vision — love filled 
my heart, and an indescribable flood of glory over- 
powered my soul. My guilt was gone; the blood 
of Jesus washed it all away, and my poor heart was 
made new. I rose up and gazed upon the old stumps 
in the field, and they all looked bright and cheerful; 
the little grove near by, with branches waving in the 
gentle zephyr, seemed to praise God with delight. 
My little journey was resumed w T ith a light heart, 
w T hile my feet seemed scarcely to touch the earth. 
The earth, air, trees, sky, sunshine — all things, with- 
out and within me, spoke of the goodness of my 
Redeemer. When I arrived at my father's house 
and went in, the old kitchen looked new ; the whole 
family looked as I had never seen them before — - 
every thing looked new, and I felt hew all over. 



20 RECOLLECTIONS OP 

" Old things were passed away, and, behold, all things 
were become new." 

But, notwithstanding this delightful experience, it 
had not yet occurred to me that I was in possession 
of religion ; the idea that my soul was truly regen- 
erated and born of God, had not crossed my mind ; 
but I felt a desire to pray again, and accordingly went 
into a secret place and fell down upon my knees to 
say — and never thought of saying any thing else — 
"God be merciful to me a sinner !" But when I 
attempted to say these words, ere I was aware of it, I 
said, " Glory !" I was frightened; something seemed 
to say to me, "What! such a wretch as you say, 
Glory?" But another "glory" came, and I felt ten 
thousand glories in my soul ! My next thought was, 
" What does all this mean ?" And then it seemed to 
me that a voice from heaven said, "This morning, 
while down yonder crying for mercy, God pardoned 
your sins." Then I felt the Spirit of God bearing 
witness with my spirit that I was a child of God. 
Then and there I received the Spirit of adoption, 
whereby we cry, Abba, Father ! 

Immediately I ran into the house and said, " Fa- 
ther, can you forgive ? God has forgiven me, and 
I've found religion !" The manly face of my father lit 
up with a smile, and with the tear of joy starting from 
his eye, he said, "David, I have nothing against you! 
I have ten thousand times more against myself than 
against you!" 

This was about the 20th of March, A. D., 1796. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 21 

Soon afterward my untutored mind sought to express 
the happy experience in verse, and I here present a 
few of the lines, not for their poetic yalue, but 
because of their association with my history at this 
interesting period of my life : 



"And when I rose up from the place, 
I thought I saw my Savior's face ; 
My soul did leap, and shout, and sing, 
And made the heavenly arches ring. 
Then to my friends I soon did go, 
To tell what love I'd found below ; 
And there we met with joy and peace, 
And had one glorious Gospel feast." 



That day I accompanied my father to Church, and 
found it far the happiest day of my life. The old 
meeting-house and all the people — in a word, the 
whole world seemed entirely new to me. God had 
given me a new heart, and every thing around me 
rejoiced in the smile of heaven. 0, how delightful the 
worship of God ! What melody in the hymns of 
praise ! How precious the word of truth ! How sweet 
the fellowship of kindred minds ! 

A short time after this, perhaps the next Sabbath, 
after the sermon closed I stood upon the pulpit 
stairs and talked to the people of the love of Jesus. 
The house was full, and my heart burned with intense 
desire to tell the congregation what God had done for 
my soul, and to warn sinners to flee from the wrath 
to come. While inviting all to come and taste, and 
see how good the Lord is, my soul was filled with 



22 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

unutterable happiness ; and, though I had never yet 
heard those beautiful words — 

" 0, for a thousand tongues to sing 

My great Redeemer's praise ; 
The glories of my God and King, 

The triumphs of his grace," 

they express the feelings of my heart at that time. 
My heart was deeply moved at the indifference of 
those who were slumbering in sin. My past life of 
thoughtlessness and folly now seemed wonderfully 
mysterious, and my soul was burdened for the con- 
version of my young acquaintances. I could say, in 
the language of the poet, 

" 0, for a trumpet voice, 

On all the world to call — 
To bid their hearts rejoice 
In him who died for all : 
For all, my Lord was crucified ; 
For all, for all, my Savior died." 

I shortly united with the Baptist Church. As be- 
fore stated, my parents were connected with that 
denomination, and I had no acquaintance with any 
other. I had heard of the Presbyterians, and of the 
Church of England, but had not the most distant idea 
that there were any Christians among them. About 
all I knew of these denominations was, that they 
"sprinkled babies." This was often mentioned by the 
Baptist members in my hearing — but only in such a 
way as to inspire in my heart a feeling of disgust 
toward all that practiced it. Indeed, the force of 



A SUPERANNUATE. 23 

circumstances surrounding me, at this time, led me to 
suppose there was not a Christian in the whole world 
who was not a Baptist. I have no remark to make 
upon the propriety of educating children to look upon 
the different Christian denominations in this light, but 
only record the fact as an important item in my early 
experience. We were living at this time in Renssellaer 
county, New York ; my father having moved from 
Connecticut twelve years previous. 

Our minister was not a very popular preacher, 
though he was a man of strong, cunning mind, pos- 
sessing the " wisdom of the serpent," if not the "harra- 
lessness of the dove." I continued faithful in the 
discharge of duty and was very happy most of the 
time, and still exhorted in the Church nearly every 
Sabbath. In the township adjoining ours there was 
a very excellent Baptist preacher, and I would fre- 
quently go over to hear him, and sometimes would 
exhort the people there. One Sabbath I attended 
his meeting, and at the conclusion of his sermon 
arose and talked of the love of Christ and hope of 
heaven. I then saw a little man in the pulpit who, 
when I ceased talking, kneeled down and prayed with 
great fervor, and most astonishing fluency. After 
the benediction was pronounced, this strange little 
man came down, and, throwing his arm around my 
neck, whispered in my ear, urging me to be faith- 
ful. Some years after this, I learned that the little 
man was the Rev. Joseph Mitchell, of the New York 
conference. 



24 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Happy would it have been for me, if I had followed 
his advice ! But the pride of my heart began to 
struggle, and it soon became very difficult to speak in 
public. The cross became heavy. More self-denial 
was requisite ; I began to seek for ease, and, of course, 
my enjoyments declined. Sometimes I would take up 
the cross, and then the Lord blessed me; but some- 
times I would shrink from duty and leave the sanctu- 
ary, feeling badly. I was subject to strong tempta- 
tions; indeed, my course was exactly calculated to 
induce temptations ; and while in this condition, I 
overheard a conversation between some members of 
the Church which proved injurious to my spiritual 
comfort. They were speaking of the duty of exhort- 
ing in the Church ; some of them said they could 
exhort if they felt well, but if not, they could not suc- 
ceed if they tried ; then one remarked, "Yes, but 
there is little David Lewis, he can exhort any time/' 
The remark hurt me. I had been thinking, for some 
time, of giving up the practice, and now the enemy 
tempted me powerfully ; not that the assault was irre- 
sistible — we have the promise that no such temptation 
shall befall us— but I entered into the snare, and made 
up my mind to exhort no more ! The suggestion was 
thrust upon my mind, "You can be a still Christian 
as well as others; you can pray in secret and live 
religion, and be admired." My mind instantly turned 
to several who never prayed in public, and were 
highly esteemed as pious, worthy members of the 
Church. I then said I would never pray or exhort in 



A SUPERANNUATE. 25 

public again, but would pray in secret and be a still 
Christian. 

" Ten thousand baits the foe prepares 

To keep the wandering heart, 
And seldom do we see the snares 

Before we feel the smart." 

So it was with me ; for the first time I went into 
secret to pray, after forming this resolution, but I 
found my relish for prayer was gone ; my access to 
the throne of mercy was hindered — darkness super- 
vened, joy fled, and prayer became an irksome task. I 
still intended to live a Christian life, but found so little 
enjoyment, that the closet was almost entirely neg- 
lected. Gradually I sunk into a lifeless state, re- 
taining the outward form of godliness, but destitute 
of its power. But while in this condition, every day 
and almost every hour, something seemed to be say- 
ing to me, " You are doing wrong." My own heart 
condemned me and kept me constantly in heaviness ; 
and I felt truly that God was greater than my heart, 
and knew all things. I always intended, and fre- 
quently purposed to come back to- God ; and I remem- 
ber once to have gone out to pray, and fell upon my 
knees, but dared not open my mouth before the Lord. 
So greatly had I sinned that my mouth was stopped, 
my tongue refused to utter the anguish of my mind 
in the presence of the Holy One ! 

But I was never so far backslidden as to lose re- 
spect for the house and service of God ; his fear was 
yet, in a measure, before my eyes all the day, and it 



26 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

gave me pleasure to hear of the prosperity of Zion. 
Even while under the cloud, while destitute of vital 
communion with Christ in my own heart, nothing 
would give me more pleasure than to hear of a 
revival of religion. The report of the outpouring 
of the divine Spirit would induce me to feel — 

" that I were as heretofore, 
When, warm in my first love, 
I only lived my God V adore, 
And seek the things above. 

Upon my head his candle shone, 

And lavish of his grace, 
With cords of love he drew me on, 

And half unvail'd his face. 

Far, far above all earthly things 

Triumphantly I rode ; 
I soar'd to heav'n on eagles' wings, 

And found and talk'd with God. 

Where am I now ? From what a hight 

Of happiness cast down ! 
The glory swallow'd up in night, 

And faded is the crown." 

Yes, reader, "the glory was swallow r ed up in 
night ?" All was gloom and darkness. I knew there 
was a reality in religion, for I had felt its power. 
On eagles' wings my new-born soul had soared to 
heaven, and found and talked with God! His candle 
shone upon my head, his love drew me as with cords 
in the way of duty; far above the glittering things 
of earth my spirit rode in triumph ! But from this 
hight of enjoyment, I came down to seek pleasure 
in the world. Vain effort ! The world, all beautiful 



A SUPERANNUATE. 27 

and bright, with its charming melody and fragrant 
flowers, so full of goodness, and teeming with the 
rich blessings of heaven, can afford no pleasure to a 
soul deprived of the favor of God. 0, the bitterness 
of backsliding! Father of everlasting grace, pity- 
all who feel it ! Dear reader, beware of the neglect 
of duty. You can not enjoy religion without watch- 
ing unto prayer. In order to maintain the life of 
godliness, you must keep the great end of life in 
view, feel that you are not your own, live not to 
self, but to Christ. Regularly retire into some se- 
cret place and pour out your soul in prayer. If you 
feel but little, go the oftener; press your suit before 
the throne, remembering that Christ enjoins importu- 
nity; and let no day pass without a new consecration 
to God. If you thus live — if you make it your de- 
light to commune with heaven, you shall prove the 
deep meaning of St. Paul's w r ords, "I am crucified 
with Christ : nevertheless, I live ; yet not I, but Christ 
liveth in me : and the life that I now live in the flesh 
is by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and 
gave himself for me." You will then answer the end 
of your creation, glorify God in your body and spirit, 
which are his, live and die happy, and possess the 
kingdom with the city which hath foundations, whose 
builder and maker is God. 

But to return. I continued to wander in this back- 
slidden state for several years — all the time an ac- 
ceptable member of the Church, and looked upon by 
others as a good Christian — yet feeling conscious that 



28 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

my soul was barren and desolate, having long since 
ceased to bring forth the fragrant fruits of the Spirit. 
But I was approaching a new epoch — a turning point 
in my history, to which I look back with peculiar 
interest. I went down, one Sabbath day, to hear the 
minister in the adjoining township, to whom I have 
referred, and, in company with two young men of my 
acquaintance, started toward home. But, instead of 
going directly home, being full of glee, we rode on 
till we came to Milltown, rode up into the place, and, 

seeing a crowd collected about the house of , we 

were soon in their midst, and found that there was 
some one preaching in the house. I stood near an 
open window, and soon found myself deeply inter- 
ested in the discourse. The preacher was dwelling 
on the atonement of Christ, its fullness and freeness, 
and the agency of man in availing himself of its rich 
provisions. The subject fixed my attention, and I 
listened to every word with the greatest eagerness, 
not doubting that the stranger was a true embassador 
of Jesus Christ. I believed every word he uttered, 
though brought up to believe in a limited atonement — 
or, at least, in a Church that taught the doctrine of 
a limited atonement, and denied the agency of man in 
the attainment of salvation. In a word, I had been 
taught the doctrines of unconditional election and 
reprobation, but could never believe them. I had 
even held some little disputes on these points; but 
my mind was beclouded. I stood in need of light; 
for it was plain to me that there was something 



A SUPERANNUATE. 29 

unsound in the teachings of the Church in relation 
to these doctrines, but I could not sufficiently compre- 
hend the subject to tell precisely where the difficulty 
was. But in this reverend gentleman's discourse, the 
Gospel method of salvation by grace through faith, 
was opened to my mind and made so plain that I 
wondered every one did not embrace it. His remarks 
were Scriptural, lucid, and convincing. As I listened, 
a thrill of pleasure ran through my heart. I was 
instructed, amazed, captivated. The divine simplicity 
of this truly-evangelical sermon charmed my soul. 
The preacher was Rev. Joseph Mitchell, the little 
man once before referred to, who put his arm around 
my neck, and urged me to be faithful ! 

This was the first Methodist sermon I ever heard. 
At the close of the discourse, some of the people 
came out, and, forgetting my companions, I crowded 
in. The preacher stepped up on a bench and com- 
menced singing that beautiful hymn, " Jesus, my all, 
to heaven is gone." I stepped up by his side so as 
to look into his book ; for I had never heard the w^ords 
before, and we sung the hymn through. He then 
whispered in my ear the question, "Do you enjoy 
religion?" My answer w T as according to the times, 
"I hope so F 

Rev. Mr. Mitchell then said, "I am now going to 
prophesy: God is about to revive his w r ork here — we 
shall soon have a reformation in this place. Now, if 
you have any old backslidden Baptists in this region, 
they will be the first to oppose the work." He left 



30 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

another appointment, came round in four weeks, and 
God did revive his work ; sinners were awakened and 
converted to God. I attended the meetings, and felt 
the hardness of my heart giving way ; I began to sigh 
and groan for my forfeited peace ; my hidden sorrow 
burst forth in gushing tears. Then could I say — 

" God, thou art my home, my rest, 
For which I sigh in pain ,* 
How shall I 'scape into thy breast ? 
My Eden how regain ?" 

Thank God! I did not sigh in vain. I now discov- 
ered all the follies of my backslidden life, felt deeply 
sensible of my ingratitude, promised the Lord in 
humility to perform every known duty, pleaded earn- 
estly the prayer of the humbled Psalmist, "Restore 
unto me the joy of thy salvation, uphold me with thy 
free Spirit," and, adding the Psalmist's vow, "Then 
will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall 
be converted unto thee," I fully consecrated myself 
to his service, feeling that, living or dying, I would be 
the Lord's. Thank Heaven! like the first approach 
of morning, light began to dawn upon my soul, and 
it continued to shine more and more till every cloud 
was dispelled, and the full beams of the sun of right- 
eousness poured down upon my heart — scattering 
darkness, doubt, fear, and sorrow, and filling my mind 
with the peace of God that passeth all understanding. 

There were other preachers on that circuit with 
whom I was much pleased. Their prayers and exhor- 
tations interested me very much; and I thought if 



A SUPERANNUATE. 31 

their iives only corresponded with their profession, all 
would be right. But, alas ! it was reported that they 
were " black-legs ;" and every thing that was bad was 
said about them. I was often led to ask myself the 
question, Can it be possible that men guilty of such 
wickedness as is charged upon these, can pray as 
they do? 0, thou tongue of slander, what evil hast 
thou wrought! What contempt hast thou poured 
upon the cause of God! What deep injury hast thou 
inflicted on the servants of Christ ! Truly thou art a 
deadly poison! Thou art a fire, a world of iniquity! 
Thou settest on fire the course of nature, and art set 
on fire of hell! 

" The dark villain who shall aim 
To blast a fair and spotless name ; 
He steals a precious gem away — 
Steals what both Indies can't repay." 

I knew nothing at this time of the economy of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. I knew nothing of the 
conference, of the annual examinations of character, 
of the manner of sending preachers to their fields of 
labor; and, hence, however difficult it was to suppose 
men capable of acting a feigned part in such a man- 
ner, and for such a length of time, some doubts did 
spring up in my mind respecting these men of God. 
But still I attended upon their ministry, and my 
father would sometimes go ; he said they were smart 
men, but did not preach the Gospel. He became 
much offended at their preaching, but would not 
desist from hearing them. We would sometimes talk 



32 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

together about the subject matter of their preaching; 
he violently opposed it, but I defended it as well as I 
knew how, with much zeal ; for, though no thought 
of joining the Methodist Church had yet entered 
my mind, I dearly loved the doctrines these men 
preached, and fully believed them to be the doctrines 
of the Bible. 

My oldest sister experienced religion about the 
time of my own conversion, and, like myself, subse- 
quently lost her enjoyments ; but now, by attending 
these Methodist meetings, she was renewed in the 
divine life and made happy. Being but nine years of 
age when first converted, she was yet under parental 
control, and being desirous to join the Methodist 
Church, she asked her father's consent. He peremp- 
torily denied her the privilege ! After she went out, 
I interceded in her behalf, but he would not consent. 
I asked which he would prefer — that she should join 
the Methodists, and live a religious life, or remain 
where she was and lose her religion ? He said there 
was no need of losing her religion. I insisted that 
she would surely backslide, if she did not join the 
Methodist Church; and so she did; but, after she 
was of age, she was again renewed — she then imme- 
diately joined the Church of her choice, and lived 
and died a flaming Christian. 

"Glory to God on high ! the Christian dies ! 
Dies from the world, and quits the earthly clod : 
Dies, and receives the crown by Christ bestow'd ; 
Dies into all the life and plenitude of God." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 33 



CHAPTER II. 

JOIN THE METHODISTS — COMMENCE PREACHING. 

I continued to attend the Methodist meetings, and 
was more and more pleased with them. There I 
found congenial spirits — Christians baptized with the 
Spirit of love, whose warm hearts, and generous im- 
pulses overstepped the narrow limits of sectarian dis- 
tinctions, and embraced with brotherly affection, all 
true disciples of the risen Lord. Embracing a Gospel 
that offered eternal life to all men on equal terms, 
proclaiming as a fundamental truth that God is no 
respecter of persons, delighting in the belief that 
Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for 
every man, and aiming at nothing less than the sub- 
jugation of the world to the reign of Messiah, they 
evinced a nobler charity and a purer zeal than any 
people I had ever known. Their simplicity of man- 
ner, fervor in prayer, and love for the souls of sin- 
ners for whom the Savior died, rendered their associ- 
ations agreeable to me, and tended greatly to allay 
my fears in reference to those who preached for them 
the word of life, and on whose reputation the poison- 
ous breath of slander had fallen. 

But our minister was violently opposed to the 
Methodists — their success gave him much uneasiness, 



34 RECOLLECTIONS OE 

and he hurled upon them unmeasured denunciation. 
He frequently gave out that, on such and such Sab- 
baths, he would expose their doctrines, and these an- 
nouncements were understood as intimations that his 
"big gun " was to be fired off. But it would prove to 
be charged with invective and calumny. The explo- 
sion w T ould be great enough; but, like all over- 
charged artillery, the most fearful execution was pro- 
duced at home. In other words, his vituperation re- 
bounded, and fell w T ith crushing weight upon his own 
head. In his over-zealous efforts to counteract Meth- 
odism, he sunk himself in the estimation of the better 
part of community, and saw his own Church dwindle 
away and fall to rise no more in that place. This is 
the inevitable result of blindly fighting the truth. 
But the Methodists increased in numbers and influ- 
ence, bought a lot, built a house of worship, and con- 
tinued to prosper in spite of the detractions of their 
enemies. 

On the third day of October, in the year of our 
Lord, 1802, I was united in the holy bonds of matri- 
mony with Miss Desire Steward — my present wife, 
who from that time to this has been my companion in 
labor, and sharer of my joys and sorrows. With the 
ambition of young, hopeful hearts, we set out in life 
with fair prospects and high expectations. Possess- 
ing good health and willing hands, we anticipated 
the acquisition of a "competency" of this world's 
good, not doubting that, with the blessing of Heaven, 
we should spend our days in comparative quiet, with- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 35 

out witnessing much of the bustle and turmoil of the 
world in its heated strife. How little did we know 
of the ways of Providence ! 

I entered into business, but did not succeed well. 
And no wonder that Heaven frowned, for I rented a 
tavern stand, opened public house, set up a "bar" 
and sold rum ! This was then regarded an honorable 
business, and professors of Christianity would pour 
out the " liquid fire " for gain, as freely as they would 
perform any other labor. But, thank God ! light has 
been poured upon the accursed traffic, revealing in 
hideous colors the monstrous iniquity attending it, so 
that it is now expunged from the list of pursuits in 
which Christians can engage. While thus employed, 
I lost my enjoyments in religion, and lost several 
hundred dollars in money; I closed the business in 
the year 1806. 

During that same year we moved to Plattsburg, 
bought land, and went to work in the woods. In a 
short time I cleared off a spot of ground, built a 
house, and moved into it. Now we felt happy to find 
ourselves settled on a little farm of our own, though 
it was in a rude state, the settlement being new. Our 
neighbors were very kind, as is generally the case in 
a newly-settled country, but they were not religious. 
I still frequented Methodist meetings, but had no 
thought of uniting with the Church. Why, I can 
scarcely tell ; for I believed their doctrines, and had 
enjoyed myself better in their meetings than any- 
where else ; but the power of early education, preju- 



36 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

dice and association, is very great. Being reared in 
the very lap of the Baptist Church, I had not yet 
deliberately looked upon my Church relations as an 
open question, admitting of choice or preference. I 
delighted, however, to converse with pious Method- 
ists, especially in reference to camp meetings. Their 
reports of the displays of divine power witnesssed by 
them on these occasions, excited me with emotions of 
peculiar interest — they struck my mind as in perfect 
accordance with the Scriptures. 

After spending some months in this place, the sub- 
ject of my Church connection was suddenly brought 
to my view in a different light from what it had ever 
been before. While chopping in the woods, medi- 
tating on the goodness of God, and the privileges of 
Christian fellowship, the question rushed upon my 
mind, as if uttered by a voice, " Of all branches of 
the Church, which do you think the most Scrip- 
tural ?" My mind responded as if by spontaneous im- 
pulse, " The Methodist." Following this in rapid suc- 
cession, the following questions and answers sprang 
up in my mind : " With what people do you best en- 
joy yourself ?" "The Methodists." "Why then do 
you not join them?" "Because my relations are all 
opposed to them — the world despises them, the devil 
hates them, and the pride of my heart keeps me 
back." "Did you not promise God that if he would 
heal your backslidings, you would perform every 
known duty?" "I did." "Well, now God has 
shown you that it is your duty to join the Methodist 



A SUPERANNUATE. 37 

Church, has he not?" " Truth, Lord, and if my life 
is spared, I will join that Church to-morrow !" 

I threw down the ax, went to the house, and told 
my wife that I was going to Peru the next day — 
this being Saturday — to join the Methodists. She 
expressed much surprise, and remonstrated strongly 
against it ; said she would rather follow me to my 
grave, etc. ; but I was decided in my course. She 
then tried another method : u \would" said she, "join 
the Church with old T. and J!" These were two 
poor men in the Church; T. was an excellent, pious 
man ; but J. was not wdiat he should have been. My 
wife was not only affectionate, but pious ; and yet her 
prejudices betrayed her into these remarks, so unlike 
herself. And this may be taken as a fair illustration 
of the feelings which other denominations enter- 
tained toward the Methodists. They felt disgraced 
if their friends joined them. I then told my wife 
that she could have her liberty in relation to the mat- 
ter> and I would take mine ; that she could have a 
horse and go to her meetings whenever she w r ished ; 
that if she would go with me to meeting, I would 
wait on her as I had ever done ; but if she preferred 
going to her own, we would go together as far as the 
road would permit, and if we could fall in company 
on our way home, I would be pleased to assist her as 
formerly ; but to decline joining the Methodists, I 
could not. It was my duty to join them several 
years ago, but my friends were opposed to them, and 
the pride of my heart had hindered me, etc. We 



38 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

both wept, but nothing could move me from my 
purpose. I did go the next day, and made appli- 
cation to be received into the Church, and, thank 
God ! with all my unworthiness, they accepted me 
and received me cordially to their Christian fellow- 
ship. This occurred on the 13th day of June, A.D. 
1807 ; and in October following, my wife joined 
with me, and from that time we went on hand in 
hand praising God. 

Our place of meeting was six miles distant, but I 
was absent only two Sabbaths in twelve months — 
beside attending prayer meeting nearly every Wed- 
nesday. These were blessed days to my soul ! God 
was with us in very deed. As before remarked, our 
neighbors were unusually kind, but cared nothing 
for religion. When they heard I had joined the 
Methodists, they said they were astonished that I 
should be so deluded. They were ignorant of Meth- 
odism, and unacquainted with Methodist people ; they 
had heard something about them, but nothing good. 
A scene of persecution ensued — manifested princi- 
pally in petty annoyances. In those days the 
Methodists held meeting every holiday — would 
that it were so now — and, of course, myself and 
family were there. One of my neighbors sent to 
my house on Christmas day for a pair of bullet 
molds, and was highly offended because we were 
not at home. On New- Year's day he sent again, as 
he wanted to go to a shooting-match — but found the 
house locked. He was now more angry than before, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 39 

and said he " wished to God the house Was burned 
down, and Lewis burned up in it." He said we 
were eternally gone to meeting, and would come to 
nothing. 

And just here permit me to record a remarkable 
instance of prayer answered. On Sabbath night I 

prayed earnestly for this neighbor, Mr. S , and 

asked God to convict him so that he could neither 
eat, sleep, nor work, till he sought religion. On 
Monday, I made the same request — several times 
during the day retiring into the grove, and pleading 
with God to send his Holy Spirit and awaken Mr. 
S to a sense of his sins, and trouble his con- 
science so that he could neither eat, sleep, nor work. 

On Tuesday Mr. S came to where I was, and 

said that he had been up to his father-in-law's to 
do some work, but felt so badly that he could not 
get through with it. He told his father-in-law the 
state of his mind, and the old gentleman replied that 
he had been under conviction for six months. "But," 

said Mr. S , " I know I can not live in this state 

six weeks; why, I can neither eat, sleep, nor work!" 

I said to him, "Mr. S , your father-in-law might 

have been under conviction, six months, but not such 
as yours — you are on the margin of conversion; 
and if you will go with me into the grove, we will 
engage in prayer, and God will pardon your sins." 
" 0," said he, " Mr. Lewis, it can't be possible that 
so much filth can be purged away in so short time !" 
"Come with me and I will pray for you," said I, 



40 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

" and God will have mercy on your soul." We 
walked together into the grove, and he kneeled down 
with me. This encouraged me much, for I had 
heard it remarked as an old saying, that if you could 
get a Yankee on his knees he was half converted. 

I commenced praying, and Mr, S manifested 

deep feeling. I continued to plead with God in his 
behalf, and he groaned and sobbed. His heart was 
now broken up, and he poured forth, in the language 
of confession and contrition, most bitter lamentations 
for past follies, with earnest supplications for mercy 
and pardon in the name of the precious Redeemer, 
whom he had so often slighted. And, 0, the riches 
of mercy ! God heard his penitent desire, pardoned 
his sins, sent down the Holy Spirit, and filled him 
with happiness, and he went home rejoicing in hope 
of eternal life. 

I now prevailed on the preacher to make an ap- 
pointment at my house. He came and preached for 

us, then came again and preached in Mr. S 's 

barn, and soon formed a class, giving me the class- 
book. The good work went on gloriously, so that 
in a short period we had a good society of forty 
members. This society was formed in the summer 
of 1808. 

About this time, my mind was greatly exercised 
in relation to preaching the Gospel. Indeed, the 
thought that I must preach had pressed upon my 
mind for a long time, but there appeared so many 
hinderances in the way, that I had not laid the 



A SUPERANNUATE. 41 

matter seriously to heart. Now, however, the subject 
became one of moving interest — so much so that it 
could not be put off without careful attention, and 
conscientious decision. I felt that my spiritual en- 
joyments, my usefulness, and my temporal prospects 
were involved in the question, to say nothing of my 
eternal interests. Prayerfully did I revolve the 
question, " What shall I do ?" To refuse positively, 
I dare not ; and to undertake the great work seemed 
impossible. An overwhelming sense of my want of 
qualification for so important a calling, filled me 
with fear and trembling. Having been reared in a 
new country, where school advantages were scarce, 
my education was defective, and my stock of general 
knowledge necessarily limited. My embarrassment 
was great. My brethren would often pray that God 
would thrust me out to do my duty, yet I felt con- 
scious that I knew not how to preach. Moreover, I 
felt that if I preached at all, I must make a business 
of it, enter the itinerancy and devote my life to the 
work ; and the thought of subjecting an affectionate 
wife and dear children to the privations and hard- 
ships incident to the circumstances of the family of a 
Methodist traveling preacher, was to me very painful. 
I knew not how to go, and to stay at the hazard of 
disobeying God, I felt that I could not. But, after 
many severe mental conflicts, my mind was made up 
that if the Church would give me license, I would go 
out into the wide world and call sinners to repent- 
ance. In the month of March, 1809, the preacher — 

4 



42 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Rev. Samuel Draper^ of the New York confer- 
ence, the brother who took me into the Church — 
left the circuit ; and having previously licensed me 
to exhort, gave me liberty to preach, and employed 
me to fill the appointments on the circuit, till the 
preachers should arrive from conference. The door 
was now fairly open, and, in the name and strength 
of God, I started out to commence the work which, 
in the providence of God, was to " make my heart 
rejoice, and spend the remnant of my days." I 
completed my engagement; and, when conference 
was over, there proved to be a vacancy on the 
Fletcher circuit, on the eastern side of Lake Cham- 
plain, which the presiding elder employed me to 
fill till the first quarterly meeting, at which time 
the brother appointed from conference would arrive. 
I attended quarterly meeting on Saturday, and 
received a regular license to preach, and on Monday, 
started for the circuit. 

My trials of mind at this time were very great. 
The mingled emotions to which the circumstances 
surrounding me gave rise, kept me in continual 
agitation. But while crossing the Lake, I strove 
to give myself up entirely to God and his work. 
My sincere prayer to God was, that he would make 
me useful. I lifted my heart to him, and promised 
that if he would raise up one soul to testify that 
my labors had been instrumental in his or her con- 
version, I would travel all the year, provided there 
should be an opening. I arrived upon the circuit, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 43 

and found my colleague, Rev. 0. Sikes, a deeply pious 
man and good preacher. He furnished me with a list 
of the appointments. My first one was at the house 
of Deacon Thurston, on the river Samile, in Vermont. 
Sabbath came, and, after preaching as well as I could, 
it was suggested to me that a thousand such sermons 
would be of no benefit to any one. Mortified and 
humbled, I would gladly have hidden myself, if it had 
been possible; but the class must be met. Without 
this, our work was never considered clone in those 
days. I proceeded to the afternoon appointment 
with my mind under a cloud, thinking of the dis- 
grace brought upon myself and the cause of religion. 
I prayed and wept; and, on coming round in two 
weeks, found an old lady happy in God, saying that, 
under that sermon, she was awakened, and had found 
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ! This 
encouraged my poor heart, and brought to remem- 
brance the pledge made to God, that if he would 
raise up one soul to testify that my labors were 
instrumental in his or her conversion, I would travel 
the whole year, if there should be an opening. I felt 
that God's seal was now placed upon my humble 
efforts, and desired to follow the leadings of his 
providence, to whatever labor or sacrifice he might 
call me. 

At the first quarterly meeting the preacher came 
on, as was expected. We had a glorious meeting, 
resulting in several conversions. The presiding elder 
then took me with him into Lower Canada, to travel 



44 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

with brother Whiting on Dunham circuit, for the pur- 
pose of turning it into a four weeks' circuit. Here 
I found the country new, the people poor, and fear- 
fully wicked. I preached in townships that had been 
settled seven and nine years, and never a sermon in 
them till that fall. The people were very shy of us — 
so much so, that we found some difficulty in holding 
conversations with them respecting their souls. I 

went into the township of Stukely to Mr. L 's. 

He wanted preaching at his house, but his wife was 
violently opposed to it. She said she would not har- 
bor the lazy Methodist preachers, who were going 
about the country getting money and picking people's 
pockets. I staid all night, however, and conversed 

with Mr. L in reference to the salvation of his 

soul — his wife retiring early, determined not to har- 
bor Methodist preachers. The next morning — Sab- 
bath — the people dime in, and I preached to them 
from 2 Corinthians v, 17: "Therefore, if any man be 

in Christ, he is a new creature." But Mrs. L 

shut herself up in another room, determined not to 
hear. We had an intermission, and then preaching 
again. In the afternoon, I traveled through the 
woods some distance, and at night preached from, 
"This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." 
Here the family had no religion, but desired to have 
preaching. They treated me with so much kindness 
that I felt quite at home with them. 

Thus I passed once around the circuit, a stranger 
in a strange land ; but God was with me, the strength 



A SUPERANNUATE. 45 

of my heart, a very present help in trouble; and his 
strong arm sustained me. 

I was now in the British dominions, and often sat 
and heard many hard things said against the Govern- 
ment of the United States — the Government of my 
own beloved, my native land. This was a source of 
great pain to me, but the only alternative was to sub- 
mit and bear it. If I should utter a word of objec- 
tion against their form of government, they would 
immediately say, "You must not talk so here; we 
are bound to inform against you." 

On my second round, the aspect of things was more 
pleasing. I now found some to bid me welcome to 
their houses with smiling faces. Soon God gave me 

the hearts of the people, and even Mrs. L , who 

would not hear me preach on the first round, was 
converted, joined the Church, and became an honored 
mother in our Israel. Her house became one of the 
best homes for the toiling itinerant that could be found 
in the country. But while in this province, I suffered 
extremely from the cold. I would often sleep in open 
cabins where the snow would cover the bed, and with 
too light clothing for the season; sometimes in an 
open loft where the wind had full sweep. On the 
older part of the circuit, however, I found better 
accommodations; for I found some old, well-tried 
Methodists, faithfully serving God night and day. 
Among these, I may name the Bigelow family — pa- 
rents of the lamented Russell Bigelow — a most ex- 
cellent family, and a blessed home for the weary 



46 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

herald of the cross. Here were grandmother, fa- 
ther, mother, two sons, and three or four daughters, 
all pious. We would hold family prayer meeting 
every time I came to stop with them, and I always 
obtained an increase of strength. Here also was a 
family of the name of Anderson, whose house was 
open for the preacher. One daughter belonged to 
the Church. She would always hold family worship 
when the preacher was not present. I met with her 
a few years ago, living in Springfield, Ohio. She was 
a widow, still holding fast her profession — took great 
pleasure in talking over olden times, and relating the 
dealings of God with her. 

During this year, I lost my horse ; then walked and 
preached two and three times a day, for two weeks. 
Previous to this, I had never but once walked the dis- 
tance of seven miles at one time. I bought another 
horse, for which I paid all the money I had, gave up 
my watch, gave my note for the balance, and hired 
five dollars to bear my expenses home. We had no 
missionary societies in those days. 

I remember, while on this circuit, preaching at a 
brother's house, where I had but little feeling; my 
mind was beclouded, and religious enjoyments fled. 
I had another appointment at night, where a lady 
belonged whose husband was greatly opposed to us, 
and would not allow her to attend the meetings. 
Several of the friends started with me to this ap- 
pointment, but I should have preferred being alone. 
My mind was much beclouded. I tried to think of 



A SUPERANNUATE. 47 

some subject on which to dwell, but all was as dark as 
midnight. I could think of nothing to say — the Bible 
was a sealed book to me, and my mind was depressed 
with grief. I reviewed my past life, looked into my 
heart, felt anxious to know the cause of this distress- 
ing darkness, but could detect no neglect of known 
duty, nor did I realize any condemnation. In this 
state of feeling I arrived at the house where the ap- 
pointment was, retired to a private room, fell upon my 
knees in prayer, and pleaded with God for light — but 
all was darkness before me. I continued to wrestle, 
groan, and struggle in supplication before the Lord, 
till the congregation assembled. The people were 
now waiting; the agony of my soul was inexpressi- 
ble ; but I determined not to rise from my knees till 
God should bless me. At length faith prevailed, and, 
suddenly as the spark from smitten steel, light flashed 
into my heart ! It seemed as though a ball of celes- 
tial fire burst upon my head, and ran through my 
soul! "This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with 
them/' rushed into my mind. I rose up, entered the 
room to the presence of the people, and said, "God 
will let down his power in the congregation!" That 
wicked man, who hindered his wife from attending her 
meetings, happened to be present, and as I uttered 
these words, the power of God struck his heart. I 
preached with great freedom, and, after preaching, 
we labored with this poor, convicted sinner, till God, 
for Christ's sake, pardoned all his sins. We had a 
shout in the camp. "0 come, let us sing unto the 



48 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Lord: let us make a joyful noise unto the Eock of 
our salvation/' 

I closed my first year of itinerant labor, having 
received toward supporting myself and family, con- 
sisting of my wife and three children, the sum of 
thirty-six dollars, quarterage, and about seventeen 
dollars given by friends toward making up the loss 
of my horse. These were times that tried men's 
souls and bodies too. 

I returned to the bosom of my family, thankful to 
God that our lives were preserved, and spent some 
time visiting old friends, and preaching to them the 
Gospel of peace. And here let me give glory to God 
for the good that was done through the instrument- 
ality of my feeble labors. I saw a large number of 
souls happily converted to God, and took many into 
the Church. Doubtless, ere this, some of them are 
singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, high up in 
glory. Lord, keep me faithful till death releases me 
from earth, that I may meet them in the glorious 
world above! 

" There is a land where grief can never come, 
Nor sorrows press the heavy-laden heart ; 
There friends shall meet in an eternal home, 
And from each other never more shall part." 






A SUPERANNUATE. 49 



CHAPTER III. 

FLETCHER CIRCUIT-UNDER THE ELDER. 

At the session of the New York conference for the 
year 1810, there was a vacancy left for me on the 
Fletcher circuit, where I traveled under the direction 
of the presiding elder. This was the circuit on which 
I labored prior to the first quarterly meeting of the 
previous year. My first acquaintance there, though 
short, was very happy. I was much pleased with the 
people, and they gave me a hearty welcome to their 
circuit. My colleague this year was Rev. Francis 
Brown — a worthy little brother, faithful and w r ell 
received. We labored together in great harmony, 
and w r ere permitted to see the work of the Lord glo- 
riously revive — sinners were pricked in their hearts, 
cried for mercy, and found redemption in the blood 
of Christ, even the forgiveness of sins according to 
the riches of his grace. 

Methodism had now gained a pretty strong hold on 
the affections of .the people, but all opposition was 
not yet broken down in that quarter. In common 
with all true disciples of Christ, we had to contend 
with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and, in addi- 
tion, with some who professed to be Christians. In 



50 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

other denominations, among ministers and members, 
were many found to cry out against us. I am sorry 
to record this fact. The recollection of it is painful 
to my heart. But my old Baptist and Presbyterian 
friends know that what I affirm of the state of things, 
forty and fifty years ago, is strictly and literally 
true. But, thank God! I have lived to see the day 
when those who were most violently opposed to us, 
give us the right hand of fellowship. Say not that 
the former days were better than these. Thank 
Heaven! light is increasing, darkness recedes, the 
power of bigotry is broken, truth prevails, error falls 
to the ground, and let all the people say, Amen. 

My family lived in Peru, on the west side of Lake 
Champlain, and my circuit was on the eastern side; 
of course, I was absent from my family most of the 
time. The circuit was large, containing from twenty- 
five to thirty appointments to be filled every four 
weeks. Generally, I could spend one or two days 
with my family in two months. My whole time was 
given up to God and his cause. We met with oppo- 
sition wherever we went, but God laid to his helping 
hand, and added to our numbers daily, so that the 
despised Methodists were happy and prosperous, 
walking in the light of the Lord. 

At Waterbury, the society had been for some time 
in a cold state ; but the set time to favor Zion at this 
place was come. I went to brother Jones's, where the 
preaching was held, and spent a happy night with 
the family. The next morning, Sabbath,, the people 



A SUPERANNUATE, 51 

collected as usual, and I opened the service with 
singing and prayer, then read the text — Isaiah xl, 
9-11 — and proceeded to expound it as well as I 
was able ; and while I yet spoke, " the Holy Ghost 
fell on all them which heard the word." God reveal- 
ed himself in great power — sinners were cut to the 
heart and cried for mercy. The membership awoke 
and prayed to God mightily, and the glory of the 
Lord filled the whole house where we were assembled. 
About twenty were awakened and cried for mercy, 
and, God be praised ! they did not cry in vain. God 
heard our prayers, poured out his Spirit, and shed 
his love abroad in penitent, broken hearts. I 
remained and labored with the seekers as long as 
duty would permit, and then went on to my after- 
noon appointment, filled with faith and the Holy 
Ghost. There were, perhaps, more souls awakened 
here than under any one sermon I ever preached. 

Once, while preaching in S , in a barn — the men 

sitting on one side and the women on the other — 
the power of God came down like the rushing of a 
mighty wind, and the people fell like men slain in 
battle. Nearly half the congregation were on the 
floor crying for mercy, or shouting the high praises 
of God. 

But notwithstanding these evidences of God's bless- 
ing upon my labors, I was often tempted to think he 
had never called me to this work. I often wished that 
no one had heard me say I thought it my duty to 
preach, and thought if I w T ere to begin again, I would 



52 RECOLLECTIONS OJF 

keep it to myself. But now I was committed, and 
the Church had called me out, and I knew not how 
to draw back. I frequently prayed to God, that if he 
had called me to preach, he would send down his sin- 
slaying power in the congregation ; and I seldom 
asked for such witness, but, before my sermon ended, 
one, and (sometimes a dozen persons would fall to the 
floor. Still, when I looked into the Bible, and saw 
the depth of divine truth, its precious pearls lying so 
far beyond my reach, the contemplation so impressed 
my mind with a sense of my unfitness for the work 
of the ministry, that I did look upon myself as one 
having run before he was sent. I seemed like a 
man standing upon the earth, looking down into the 
deep mines of gold, viewing the precious metal far 
beneath his grasp, while he was only permitted to 
pick up some bits here and there which lay near 
the surface. 

And, my brethren, it is not a light thing to be a 
minister of the Gospel. When we think of standing 
between God and the souls of men dead in tres- 
passes and sins, to teach them to escape hell and gain 
heaven — when we think of being made a mouth-piece 
for God, and of the account we must give to him in 
the great day, as to how and what we have preached 
— and when we remember that our preaching will be 
a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death, we 
may well exclaim with St. Paul, "Who is sufficient 
for these things!" Verily, "our sufficiency is of 
God," who hath said, " My grace is sufficient for 



A SUPERANNUATE. 53 

thee." Thank God ! after forty-seven years' expe- 
rience in the blessed work, I am now happy, and 
would that all the world might come and see how 
good the Lord is. Salvation to God and the Lamb ! 

This year we took in a new appointment, in the 
town of Jericho, a gentleman living near having 
opened his house for our entertainment. I spent 
many happy nights with this man and his old lady. 
They had never experienced religion, but were pleased 
to have us preach in the neighborhood. As we held 
forth the word bf life in this place, some mocked, but 
others listened with attention ; for our doctrine was 
entirely new to them. The people had been taught, 
in lieu of the Gospel, that God foreordained whatso- 
ever comes to pass — that he had, from all eternity, 
elected a certain and definite number to eternal life, 
and foreordained the rest to eternal death — that the 
number of each class was particularly and unchang- 
ably designed, and so certain and definite that it 
could not be increased or diminished. One day, at 
the close of preaching here, a man rose up in the 
congregation and said, " God has his elect, and he 
gave his Son to die for them, and for them only; and 
St. Paul says, 'If I or an angel from heaven preach 
any other Gospel, let him be accursed.' ' I replied, 
"Paul says, 'Therefore, as by the offense of one, 
judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even 
so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came 
upon all men unto justification of life;' and, 'We see 
Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels 



54 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and 
honor, that he, by the grace of God, should taste 
death for every man;' and, again, in speaking of 
Christ, he says, that ' he gave himself a ransom for 
all, to be testified in due time.' And now, sir, the 
due time has come, and I am sent to testify this glo- 
rious truth to all men, and you are found preaching 
' another Gospel,' and upon you the curse must 
fall." 

When I came round to this point again, a friend 

told me that he had asked a Mr. S. W why he 

did not come out to hear me preach. His reply was, 
" The Methodists are not fit to preach — they are a 
poor, ignorant set, not fit to preach in any polite 
place ; but if they can get a lot of ignorant old 
women together, in some corner of the town, they 
will do to preach to them. I would like to see your 
Mr. Lewis." After preaching, notice was given that 
there would be a prayer meeting at the house of Mr. 

W , father to the S. W above mentioned, 

that evening. Mr. W sent word to his son that 

there w 7 ould be a conference meeting at his house that 
night — that the Methodist preacher was to be there, 
and he — the father — would like to have him — the 
son — attend. I opened the meeting, and in some 
introductory remarks, took occasion to notice two 
extremes into which men sometimes fall ; namely, 
Pharisaism and Antinomianism. Said I, " The Phar- 
isee will tell us he is going to heaven by his works, 
and the Antinomian rushes to the opposite extreme, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 55 

discarding works altogether, and claims salvation by 
faith alone ; hut St. James sets both right when he 
says, ' Show me thy faith without thy works, and I 
will show thee my faith by my works.' Faith and 
works must go together. Our faith must be ' of the 
operation of God, producing good works.' ' After 

the meeting closed, S. W and myself entered 

into friendly conversation ; but he soon introduced 
his favorite notions, no doubt for the purpose of 
exciting controversy; and to give the reader an 
idea of the readiness of Calvinists to attack us, and 
of the manner of their disputations, and with the 
method adopted for the purpose of setting aside their 
speculations, I give the substance of what passed on 
this occasion : 

L. " I heard Mr. Denison preach a fine sermon 
the other evening." 

W. " Did you, indeed ! Was he dwelling on the 
doctrine of particular election?" 

L. " No, sir ; if he had been. I should probably 
not have been so well pleased, as I do not believe 
in the doctrine of fate — that God, for his own glory, 
foreordained whatsoever comes to pass." 

W. " That is what you call the doctrine of fate, 
is it ? "Well, I never could see how it is possible that 
any man can have consistent views of the character 
of God, without believing him to be infinite in knowl- 
edge/' 

L. "I do not doubt that God is infinite in knowl- 
edge." 



56 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

W. " Well, I never could see how God could know 
a thing unless he had decreed that it should be." 

L. " Do you believe God is as wise as man ?" 

W. " Yes, I believe God is infinite in knowledge. " 

L. " Do you not remember that man foretold 
that in June, 1806, there would be an eclipse of 
the sun? And was it not fulfilled exactly to the 
day and hour V 

W. "Yes; I recollect it all." 

L. " Well, did the man decree that the sun should 
be eclipsed at that time?" 

W. "No, of course, he did not." 

L. " Then if man may foreknow a thing without 
decreeing it, may not God likewise ? But, sir, it 
is your doctrine that denies the infinitude of the 
knowledge of God." 

W. " How do you make that out ?" 

L. " Do you not believe that the knowledge and 
decree of God, are one and the same?" 

W. u Yes, certainly." 

L. " Well, wherever there is a decree, there must 
be a being who makes it, and the author of a decree 
must exist prior to the decree which he makes. 
Now, God is the author of his own decrees, and he 
existed before they were made ; and his decrees and 
knowledge being the same., it follows that he existed 
before his knowledge ; or, in other words, if he could 
not know any thing before he decreed that it should 
be, the time he existed prior to his decrees was a 
time in which he knew nothing ! But herein, sir, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 57 

is the mistake. Knowledge and decree are not one 
and the same. Knowledge is an attribute of the 
Divine nature, and decree is an act or purpose of 
the Divine mind. Then, if a decree is an act or 
purpose of the Divine mind, there must have been 
a time when it was enacted or purposed, and a time 
previous to that when it w r as not yet enacted or pur- 
posed ; and if the decree is the same as knowledge, 
there must have been a time when there was no 
knowledge, simply because there was a time when 
there was no decree/' 

W. "Well, I can not clear it up, but if Mr. D. 
was here, he could clear it up." 

L. "No, sir; I beg leave to say that Mr. D. 
can not clear it up ; neither can any other man, in 
harmony with the doctrines of Calvinism. But, 
Mr. W , you are a Universalist !" 

W. "No, sir, I am no Universalist." 

L. " Does any thing take place in the world con- 
trary to the will of God?" 

W. " Nothing ; he worketh all things after the 
counsel of his own will." 

L. " Then all men do the will of God, do they not?" 

W. " 0, yes, of course." 

L. " Well, the Savior said, ' If any man do the 
will of my Father, the same is my brother, my sister, 
and my mother ;' and these words denote the most 
intimate union with him — a union which, if we pos- 
sess it, will enable us to overcome all our enemies, 
and entitle us to reign with him forever. True, 



58 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

we can not overcome and reign with him, unless we 
do his will. But you say, all do his will ; and if they 
do, they will most certainly all be saved.' ' 

The above conversation took place in the presence 
of the congregation. The people listened attentively, 
and we all parted in friendship. 

We preached on St. Albans Point, where we had 
an excellent society. Here were brother Brooks, 
the two Duntons and their wives, brother Green, 
who finally became a local preacher, and brother 
Veets, then an excellent local preacher. He sub- 
sequently settled in the northern part, of Ohio, and 
died some years ago in the faith of the Gospel. He 
was a charming man, and greatly beloved. The 
members of this society were much persecuted. They 
could find no protection against outrage from their 
enemies, by appealing to the law ; because the officers 
thought that Methodists ought not to be protected 
in their worship. One of the brothers Dunton told 
me he had been compelled to run his horse all the 
way home from the county-seat, in order to escape 
the fury of the mob — and that, when called to the 
seat of justice to attend court; and for no other 
reason than that he was a Methodist. Nevertheless, 
God blessed them, and they flourished like olive- 
trees planted in the courts of the Lord's house. 
They were a little Church founded upon solid rock, 
and "the gates of hell could not prevail against" 
them. " Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is 
within me bless his holy name!" 



A SUPERANNUATE. 59 

One beautiful Sabbath morning of the summer of 
this year, I was preaching on the Point in a barn, 
when a number of young people came over in a boat 
from Georgia township, in Vermont, among whom 
was a young gentleman of the name of Nicholas 
White, who was engaged in teaching school. They 
came on a sort of pleasure excursion, but the atten- 
tion of this young man was arrested, and he looked 
and listened with astonishment. He was awakened, 
and soon afterward gave his name as a probationer 
for membership in the Church. He then invited me 
to go over and preach in his school-house. This I 
did on the day he joined, and at the end of the 
sermon called on him to close the meeting with 
prayer. This was putting him to work very soon, 
but I knew that if he was converted he must pray ; 
and being in the neighborhood of his friends, I 
thought that to have him thus decidedly commit 
himself to the service of God, would have a salu- 
tary effect both upon himself and others ; and I was 
not mistaken. He was faithful, and soon obtained 
license to exhort — then to preach — then he became 
a member of the New York conference, and, if 
living, is still a member of that honored body of 
self-denying men of God. Notwithstanding the oppo- 
sition we received from the people of St. Albans, 
and in the neighborhood, before leaving the circuit 
I preached in the town; and, a few years after 
this, the place became a station, which has been 
well sustained. God can work and none can hin- 



60 RECOLLECTIONS OE 

der. w The wrath of man shall praise him, and 
the remainder of wrath he will restrain." 

While on this circuit, a brother obtained the priv- 
ilege from the officers, and made an appointment for 
me in the town-house, in Fairfield. This town was 
occupied by Presbyterians ; and as soon as the min- 
ister heard of my appointment, he determined to 
crowd me out and preach himself. The brother who 
made the appointment for me, came and informed 
me of the fact, and inquired if I would yield. I 
told him I should preach at the time appointed. 
I went to the place before the hour, selected my 
text and hymn, and waited for the congregation ; 
but when the minister and his company came in, I 
rose up and commenced the service. Upon seeing 
my firmness, and the start I had of them, they 
sat down and quietly listened, while I preached from 
John iv, 14 : " But whosoever drinketh of the water 
that I shall give him, shall never thirst ; but the 
water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well 
of water springing up into everlasting life." This, I 
believe, was the first Methodist sermon ever preached 
in that town. 

In the course of the same year, I was invited to 
preach in another town which had never been visited 
by the Methodists. Here a gentleman of consider- 
able wealth and influence, living in the place, took 
my arm, saying it might not be safe for me to walk 
the street alone. He had no religion, yet he was 
in favor of liberty of conscience — wished to hear 



A SUPERANNUATE. 61 

for himself — and determined that those of his neigh- 
bors who wished to hear Methodist preaching, should 
have the opportunity. Thus God raised up for us 
friends in the midst of our enemies. 

And here let me say that those were the days 
of real prosperity to our Zion. True, we had but 
comparatively few members, yet what we had were 
of the right stamp. Worldly men would not join 
us through sinister motives. No influx of pride and 
folly had yet corrupted her communion, endangering 
the spirituality, life and power of her simple worship. 
Seldom did any unite with us without a mind made 
up to serve God through life, and to follow Christ 
through evil report as well as good. In the midst 
of opposition, we were the happiest people on earth. 
We loved God and each other, took joyfully the 
reproaches of the world, and delighted greatly in 
the services of the sanctuary. " How amiable are 
thy tabernacles, Lord of hosts t" This was the lan- 
guage of our hearts. Methodists would go forty and 
fifty miles to quarterly meetings. These were our 
great festivals. Here we renewed our covenants 
with God and his people, obtained encouragement 
and strength in our souls, and rejoiced together in 
the salvation of God. " that men would praise the 
Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works 
to the children of men!'' Truly our fellowship was 
with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 

At the close of the year of toil and privation, I 
found that God's grace had been all-sufficient, and 



62 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

returned to my family, having received the sum of 
sixty-five dollars and some cents, quarterage, and 
about five dollars' worth of presents. And how 
thankful I was that a kind Providence had pre- 
served us all alive and in health, to see the close 
of the conference year ! And how forcibly does 
the winding up of the year's labor remind the itin- 
erant of the truth that here we have no continuing 
city ! Then he sees the shortness of time, the vanity 
of the world, and feels the importance of being ready 
for the close of life, and for the judgment-day, when 
he shall give account of his stewardship. God 
grant that, as the revolving years roll us onward to 
the judgment-seat, we may so acquit ourselves as 
to triumph over the evils that surround us, and be 
able to sing — 

Away with our sorrow and fear, 

We soon shall recover our home ! 
The city of saints shall appear — > 

The day of eternity come. 
From earth we shall quickly remove, 

And mount to our native abode ; 
The house of our Father above — 

The palace of angels and God." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 63 



CHAPTER IV. 

GRAND ISLE CIRCUIT. 

Having traveled two years under the presiding 
elder, and having made up my mind to continue in 
the work, if an opening should present itself — indi- 
cating that it was the will of God that I should, I 
now offered myself to the New York conference, and 
in May, 1811, w r as admitted on trial, and appointed 
to the Grand Isle circuit, on Lake Champlain. This 
was a two weeks' circuit, including the South Hero, 
the Middle, the North Hero, the Vineyard, and a 
point of land which ran down into Canada. The 
scenery was picturesque — well calculated to impress 
the mind with sentiments of reverence, and lead to 
admiration of the wisdom and goodness of the Cre- 
ator in beautifying the earth with so much pleasing 
variety. 

I moved my family, and situated them on the 
circuit, by renting a small room with the privilege 
of setting a bed in the loft. We found ourselves in 
very narrow quarters. In order to get out, we must 
pass through three doors, and w T hen the wind blew 
from a certain point of the compass, our chimney 
had a powerful draught — the wrong way. On such 
occasions, our only alternative was to extinguish the 



64 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

fire, and dispense with it till the wind changed. "And 
did you live ?" Yes, and we still live, and, thank 
God ! that Methodist preachers are not obliged to 
situate their families now, as we were then. We 
look upon the change, and with gratitude exclaim, 
"What hath God wrought !" 

We lived on the South Island, where we formed 
agreeable acquaintance with several families who 
treated us kindly, and sought to make us as com- 
fortable as circumstances would permit. Here were 
two families of the name of Lauden, two of the 
name of Jones, brother Hackets, and others, many 
of whom are gone to rest. The numerous virtues 
of these disciples of Christ, with whom we used to 
mingle in worship, are embalmed among the heart's 
choicest memories. 

I had an appointment in a small village in Canada, 
where we occupied .a large school-house, in which 
also a reverend gentleman of another persuasion 
sometimes officiated. I was in the habit of urging 
my hearers to " cleanse themselves from all filthiness 
of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the 
fear of God." Yea, I insisted that "the blood of 
Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." But the 
reverend gentleman took exceptions, and thought 
it his duty to enlighten the people in reference to 
this matter. He came and delivered a wonder- 
ful sermon — and wonderful it was — for the pur- 
pose of destroying all our anticipations of deliver- 
ance from sin through the blood of Christ, without 



A SUPERANNUATE. 65 

the assistance of the purgatorial power of the " king 
of terrors." In describing the righteous, he said, 
" I do not know whether I am of the character or 
not, but this much I do know : I have the proudest 
heart of any man in the world ; yea, my heart is 
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; 
yea, I have committed sin enough in one prayer 
to damn a thousand souls ; yea, further, I have 
committed sin enough standing here preaching this 
sermon to damn a world!" This was doing it 
after the old style. 

When I came round to my appointment, a friend 
told me what had occurred, and described the 
sermon. I proceeded to preach from Prov. xxviii, 
13 : " He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : 
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have 
mercy." 

The preacher alluded to was present, expecting 
me to say something of his sermon. After speak- 
ing of the different methods by which men cover 
their sins, I noticed the duty of confession. Under 
this head, I remarked that some men confess more 
than they were ever guilty of — they make them- 
selves out worse than they really are. " Did you 

not," said I, " hear the Rev. Mr. say here, 

the other day, that he had the proudest heart in 
the world — that his heart was deceitful above all 
things, and desperately wicked — that he had com- 
mitted sin enough in one prayer to damn a thousand 

souls— that he had committed sin enough standing 

6 



66 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

here preaching that one sermon to damn a world! 
Now, if that man told the truth, I advise him never 
to pray again, unless he asks God to give him a 
better heart; and never to preach another sermon, 
for if he keeps on in his present course, he will 
damn a great many souls ; and I, for one, do not 
wish to be damned by any man's preaching or pray- 
ing." I told the congregation that I had a better 
opinion of these men than they appear to have of 
themselves — that they were not near so bad as they 
pretended, but that it was a kind of u voluntary 
humility/' which prompted them to tell how bad 
they supposed themselves to be. There was as 
much impropriety in confessing too much as too 
little ; we should be honest, confess all, but no more 
and no less ; and if we thus come before God with 
deep humility of soul, trusting only in the merits 
of Jesus Christ for acceptance, we shall obtain 
salvation ; for the text says, " Whoso confesseth 
and forsaketh his sins shall have mercy." 

The preacher took it all in good part, simply 
remarking that I had sent him to hell and prayed 
him out again. The friends treated me well here; 
they welcomed me to their houses, sympathized with 
me in all my cares and toils, and I have no doubt 
prayed the divine blessing upon me. 

In August we held a camp meeting on North 
Island. On Saturday night, the rowdies gave us 
considerable trouble. I found it necessary to be on 
my feet continually, to prevent depredations. The 



A SUPERANNUATE. 67 

labor and anxiety so completely exhausted me that 
I thought I should never have another such meeting 
in the bounds of my work. But Sabbath was a 
blessed day. There was an immense concourse of 
people present, and the preaching was in the de- 
monstration and power of the Holy Ghost. Sabbath 
night, the rowdies left, and the display of Divine 
power in the congregation was great. Sinners were 
convicted and converted to God. Like Jacob, we 
said, " The Lord is in this place, and we knew it 
not." The scene reminded us of the words of the 
Lord to Moses, " Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, 
for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." 
The grove was made vocal with the high praises of 
God. Then I thought I should be willing to hold 
a camp meeting every quarter. 

God be praised that camp meetings were ever 
thought of! Their origin, the reader will recollect, 
was entirely providential. Many attend these meet- 
ings, and hear the Gospel, who would not go to 
preaching on ordinary occasions ; and doubtless there 
are souls in heaven singing the song of Moses and 
the Lamb, who, but for these extraordinary services, 
might have lived and died in sin, and sunk down 
to perdition. I knew a man in the state of New 
York, who was quite wicked, and seldom attended 
divine worship of any kind — but went to camp 
meeting, and acted for some time as ringleader 
among the profane, and then came into the congre- 
gation ; and while standing with his back to a tree, 



68 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

looking upon the scene before him, the power of 
God smote him — flashing conviction upon his mind 
and heart; and there he stood as if petrified, and 
almost cold as dead. Before the meeting closed, 
he was happily converted, joined the Church, and 
in a short time was preaching the unsearchable 
riches of Christ. " But he was one of the elect," 
says the Calvinistic objector, " and would have been 
brought in any how I" Hold, brother! do you not 
believe " God has foreordained whatsoever comes to 
pass?" Then please remember, camp meetings come 
to pass. 

What thrilling, soul-cheering times I have experi- 
enced in the tented grove ! The contemplation of 
these gives me, even now, a new spring of joy and 
gladness. There the best spirits of our Zion assem- 
bled, and after spending several days in devout 
worship, gathering new strength, building up the 
feeble, and pointing the inquiring to the fountain 
of life, they went out to spread the flame of their 
new zeal among their associates in different and 
distant parts. Thus an influence for good was 
often sent out from the camp meeting which subse- 
quently resulted in the conversion of souls who had 
not been there at all. I received quite a number 
into the Church, as the fruits of this camp meeting, 
beside the general increase of piety among the old 
members. 

During the winter, we held a quarterly meeting 
in brother L 's barn, "What, hold quarterly 



A SUPERANNUATE. 69 

meeting in a barn, in the dead of winter?" Yes, 
reader, I have attended a number of such. On those 
occasions we had crowds of people, and no meeting- 
house. We would then resort to the barn, and, giving 
the floor to the women, the men would take the loft, 
sit close together, with hearts warmed with divine 
love, and sing, and pray, and shout the praise of 
God, with hearty good-will. At this meeting we 
were favored with some divine influence, and closed 
with rather an upward tendency. 

The preacher on Fletcher circuit, brother B , 

proposed to change with me one round — and as that 
was my field of labor, the previous year, and as a 
number on my circuit desired baptism, which I was 
not authorized to administer, being yet unordained — 

I consented to the proposal. Brother B came 

on, and w T hile preaching in a school-house, one even- 
ing, there was a young lady standing and warming 
herself, when a young man stepped up by her side 
and said, " Good evening, Miss." Having been well 
reared, the young lady deigned him no reply, but 
turned away in disgust. He then sat down and com- 
menced talking to others ; whereupon, brother B 

said to him, " Can you not be still?" He replied, 
"If you could squeeze the brandy out of me and 
bottle it up, perhaps I might." Said the preacher, 
"I wish, sir, you would hold your peace." Then 
clinching a writing-desk, he replied, " I am holding 
a small piece, and will hold it as long as I can." 
Said brother B , " Is there not some one here 



70 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

that will put that young man out of the house?" The 
young man replied, "You would preach half a dozen 
sermons easier than you would put me out of the 
house." The reader will discover in this an exempli- 
fication of the words of Solomon, " Wine is a mocker, 
strong drink is raging, and whoso is deceived thereby 
is not wise." This young man, with his associates, 
went and complained of themselves, and saved half 
their fine. For, Methodists as we were, we could en- 
joy some legal protection at this place. But I ought 
to say that this is not a fair specimen of the young 
men on the island. Generally they w T ere well reared, 
and treated us with respect; but wherever young men 
have unrestrained access to ardent spirits, some of 
the "baser sort" will ruin themselves, and disgrace 
the community. 

Brother B left some of my appointments and 

went home; so, on returning and finding the work 
neglected, I discovered that I would better have 
remained on my own circuit ; and from that time to 
this, I have not entered into another such an arrange- 
ment. Some time after this, I met with brother 

B and complained to him for leaving my work. 

He replied, "Well, I am a poor, crooked stick." I 
remarked to him that I should not mind his being 
crooked, if he did not always crook one way, and 
that toward home. And I am still persuaded that 
when a preacher can just break off and leave his 
work, to go home, he ought to locate and stay at 
home. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 7l 

In the month of April, I rode fourteen miles on 
the ice, as afterward discovered, in constant peril of 
my life. At one place I saw a large crack just before 
me; but putting spurs to my horse, he jumped it, car- 
rying me safely over. A brother from North Island 
attempted to cross with a sleigh, directly after me, 
but one of his horses fell through and was drowned. 
You could force an ax through the ice, that same 
day, in the road over which I passed but a few 
hours before. When I learned this, I was greatly 
thankful to my heavenly Father, who preserved me 
from a watery grave. Yes, it was the hand of a 
kind Providence that took care of me in that perilous 
journey. Once before, that same divine hand saved 
me while traveling on the ice, when one-fourth of the 
steps of my horse broke through. There was no 
alternative but to rush forward in the way till I 
reached the shore. 

" Through hidden dangers, toils and deaths, 
He gently cleared my way." 

That I still live, is a wonder to myself and others. 
When I started out to preach, my friends thought I 
could not endure the toil and privation of itinerant 
life, through one year ; but now forty-seven years 
are past, and I am still a probationer in time. It is 
all of the mercy of God, and I ought to love him 
more, and serve him better. I pray God that my 
remaining days may prove the earnestness of my 
desire to dwell only in him ! 



72 RECOLLECTIONS OP 

We ought always to labor in faith, whether we have 
much feeling or not, for we know not when we do the 
most good. Here is an illustration : While on this 
circuit, I preached one evening on North Island, but 
felt gloomy, and had but little enjoyment; in class 
meeting I was surprised to find the members all alive, 
and to hear them tell how greatly they were blessed 
under the preaching. To me it was very strange, for 
I could not find much enjoyment, even in the class 
meeting. The next morning, I called to see an 
afflicted disciple, who had been thirteen years con- 
fined to her bed, but w T as always happy. Upon enter^ 
ing her room she said, "Brother Lewis, you had a 
good meeting last night." I replied that the mem- 
bers seemed happy, but I had rather a poor time 
myself. "Why," said she, "the family say you 
preached better than you have done since you came 
on the island." After prayers, I went to the other 
end of the island, and had scarcely entered the house 
at which I was calling, when a friend addressed me 
much as the afflicted sister had done. I made the 
same reply as before. "Why," said this friend, "our 
people say, you beat yourself — that they never heard 
you preach so well as you did last night!" I then 
concluded that, as preachers of the Gospel, we are 
not judges of our own efforts ; that, sometimes, where 
we think we have done most, we have in reality 
accomplished but little, and that sometimes when we 
think we have done nothing, God blesses our labor to 
the positive good of souls. Much also depends on 



A SUPERANNUATE. 73 

the spirit of the hearer. He that listens to the word 
with an open heart, seeking spiritual nourishment for 
his soul, and praying God to bless the speaker and 
the word spoken, will seldom fail of finding divine 
truth sweet as the honey-comb. But those who listen 
only for intellectual gratification, are seldom pleased 
or profited. I know we should always preach as 
well as we can, and leave the result with God who 
only can "give the increase;" but I confess I never 
could feel satisfied without being made happy in my 
own soul, while trying to preach to others. And 
surely it is our privilege to find happiness in this 
work, for if we have been "moved by the Holy 
Ghost" to preach the Gospel, we may claim our 
Savior's special promise, " Lo, I am with you alway, 
even unto the end of the world!" 

This was a year of considerable trial to me. I was 
greatly wanting in experience as a preacher, and yet 
had pastoral charge, in this circuit, of the Church of 
God, which he purchased with his own blood. I was 
deeply sensible of the responsibility of my position — 
felt my lack of wisdom, but asked of God, who giveth 
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. We enjoyed 
a reasonable degree of prosperity, and had over a 
hundred accessions to the Church. 

I closed my labors on this circuit in May, 1812, 
having received one hundred and twenty-four dollars 
for the year. We paid our own house-rent. All the 
time of my connection with the New York conference, 
provisions ranged as follows : Corn, from 75 cts. to 



74 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

$1.25 per bushel; wheat, from $1.25 to $2.25; pork, 
from $5 to $10 per hundred ; hay, from $5 to 
$20 per tun, and other things in proportion. Does 
the reader inquire how we lived? We had a little 
means of our own, and Mrs. Lewis plied the nee- 
dle, day and night, till she found it necessary to 
wear glasses at thirty-five. But God was with us, 
and He is still with us, and we have food to eat, 
raiment to wear, and a house to shelter us from sum- 
mer's heat and winter's cold. We are surrounded by 
kind friends, and lift up our hearts to Heaven in 
thankfulness for the temporal and spiritual blessings 
of this life, and for the bliss-inspiring hope of an 
immortal life of joy and peace in a world all radiant 
with the smile of God ! 



A SUPERANNUATE. 75 



CHAPTER V. 

BRANDON CIRCUIT— FIRST YEAR. 

At the conference of May, 1812, I was appointed 
to Brandon circuit, with brother Thomas Madden 
for my colleague. Our field of labor extended over 
twenty-six townships, in some of which were several 
appointments. War having been declared against 
England by our Government, the situation of my col- 
league, as a Methodist preacher in the United States, 
was rendered very unpleasant, and resulted in his 
leaving the work some time before the year expired. 
He owned land in Canada West, and his father-in-law 
lived there — he having joined the British in the Revo- 
lutionary war, and continued a half-pay officer to the 
time of which I write — so that brother Madden and 
his wife were, from interest and association, all on 
one side. This rendered them very unpopular, and 
very unhappy, although brother M. was an excel- 
lent preacher. Some time in the winter they deter- 
mined to visit their friends in Canada, and I advised 
them to take their children along. Upon this, sis- 
ter M. said, "You don't want us to come back 
then." I replied, "When you arrive there and find 
you can't come back, you will wish your jchildren 
were with you." Brother M. said that when he 



76 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

reached there, if he found he could not go into Can- 
ada and out again "when he wished, he would not 
cross over the line. They went, and the British made 
brother Madden a prisoner of war. They then sent 
for their children, and we willingly gave them up 
to join their parents ; and I have never seen my 
colleague since. I had several letters from him, 
and think it probable that he enjoyed himself better 
than he could have done on this side of the line ; but, 
how any one can prefer that Government to ours, is 
passing strange to me. I love the land of my birth. 
My father fought for the liberty of which we boast. 
The noble blood of patriot martyrs consecrated this 
whole land to freedom, and — bating the three and a 
half millions of slaves, whose groans pierce the 
heavens — we are the best governed people beneath 
the sun ; and I trust all who choose to seek asylum in 
our country, will always find ample protection against 
the oppressions of tyranny. 

Politics ran high. Some, in our part of the country, 
violently opposed the national administration, and 
denounced the war with unwonted fury. I remember 
stopping once to rest, at the house of brother G. — he 
kept public house — when Major Powell, and some 
other British officers, came in. They were hardly 
seated before two men, living near by, came in, and, 
after heartily shaking hands with them, commenced 
a tirade of abuse against our Government, interspersed 
with horrid curses upon the war. I sat listening, for 
some time, and then, addressing one of the men, said, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 77 

" Sir, you speak too diminutively of the Government 
under which you live. If you were to go into Canada 
and say half so much against that Government, they 
would hang you up between the heavens and the 
earth ! Now, sir, if that Government is so much 
better than ours, why don't you go there?" He 
replied that " that Government is the best in the 
world." " Very well," said I, "but why do you not 
go there ? I advise you to start immediately, and, 
rather than fail, I will pay for moving one load of 
your goods. If that is the best Government in the 
world, you ought to be off at once." Major P. 
then said, " Mr. Lewis, your people can never suc- 
ceed in this war — they are too much divided ; it is not 
so with us — we are united to a man." I replied, 
" Major, I know you, and where you have been : Gen. 
Clark took you and your men prisoners, and you 
were sent down to Greenbush. There you probably 
heard some speak against their own Government, and 
now you are returning to be exchanged, and here you 
hear two men do the same thing; but what of all 
that ? What if all New England should rise against 
the General Government ? The power of the Federal 
Union would still be unshaken !" 

"Well," said the Major, "you have gained noth- 
ing from old Clark's conduct; our Government has 
sent and taken all the inhabitants of one of your 
towns." 

"What town is that?" said I. 

"Alburg," said the Major. 



78 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

" Well, you are welcome to them," said I, "and I 
hope you will not let them come back again; for the 
place was inhabited by Tories, and I have learned that 
enemies at home can do a great deal more harm than 
those at a distance." However, the Major was 
mistaken. The inhabitants of the town were not 
taken; so we had to live with them as before. 

But, notwithstanding the occasional opposition, the 
general sentiment of our people was in favor of the 
war. The majority cordially supported the adminis- 
tration, and thought "John Bull" had been borne 
with too long in impressing our seamen, and searching 
our vessels. The spirit of freemen was fully arouled. 
Hundreds rushed to arms, ready, at any sacrifice, to 
repel the British invaders. But war is a calamity to 
any people. Though permitted by the Almighty, and 
sometimes employed, in his providence, as the means 
of punishing wicked nations, and though he overrules 
it in its results, rendering it subservient to his own 
purposes of evangelizing the world, it is, nevertheless, 
antagonistic to the spirit of the Gospel, and always to 
be regarded as the last resort to throw off oppression, 
and to maintain the rights of our manhood, with 
freedom to worship God^ 

I know it has been said that war is a glorious strife 
between contending nations ; and that the brilliant 
parades, cheering music, and waving banners stir up 
the soul, and arouse to action, the slumbering 
patriotism of the people, urging them on to heroic 
deeds, and to the acquisition of martial glory ! But 



A SUPERANNUATE. 79 

war is more than this : it is the destruction of many 
lives — the desolation of towns, cities, and country- 
places — the sacrifice of millions of money — the 
enemy of the arts and sciences — the demoraliza- 
tion of the people — the rupture of the ties of friend- 
ship — the prostration of commercial interests — the 
downfall of numerous benevolent institutions — and 
the mightiest obstacle to the advancement of civili- 
zation ! 

War consigns innocent wives and children to help- 
less widowhood and orphanage, compelling them to 
drag out, in poverty and wretchedness, the life God 
gave them for happiness and usefulness. War 
authorizes robbery, oppression, and violence ; and 
by familiarizing so many with wholesale outrages 
upon the rights of others, weakens the tenure by 
which we hold our property, our liberty, and our 
lives. War excites the baser passions, distorts the 
public mind, establishes a false standard of merit, 
and tends to elevate the physical above the intel- 
lectual accomplishments. It thus creates a morbid 
taste for military exploits, and leads aspiring youths 
to put forth ambitious efforts to acquire martial fame, 
rather than to excel in the pursuits of peace. 

No proper estimate can be made of the frightful 
ravages of war. The amount of human suffering it 
has entailed on our world, is past computation. The 
withering blight has fallen on each successive genera- 
tion, from time immemorial. The sighs, the tears, 
the groans, the inexpressible anguish, which war has 



80 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

caused, will not be fully known till eternity shall 
unroll the dark record ! 

And still men love war. Trivial misunderstandings 
arise between neighboring nations, and immediately 
heated politicians plunge into angry disputes which 
nothing can settle but a resort to arms. Then the 
war-cry is shouted through the land ! Instruments 
of death are multiplied with all rapidity. Men, 
trained for the desperate conflict, are hurried to the 
field. Like infuriated beasts, they thrust each other 
through, till human gore runs in torrents, and human 
souls, by scores and hundreds, are driven into the 
presence of a holy God ! But from the details of the 
battle-field the heart sickens and turns away. 

But men will not always delight in carnage. 
Christianity will yet diffuse her peaceful principles 
among the nations, and inaugurate a better civiliza- 
tion. Her transforming power will be felt by rulers 
as well as subjects. The instruments of death will 
then be turned into implements of husbandry, and 
war will be learned no more. Men will no longer be 
counted valiant according as they have faced the 
death-dealing artillery, or butchered their fellow- 
mortals. God hasten the day ! And may we never 
more hear the roar of the wide-mouthed cannon, the 
rattle of small arms, or the clash of swords, the 
groans of the dying, or the w r ail of the bereaved ! 

But to return. I was now left alone on this large 
circuit, and, although the prevailing tendency of the 
times was to irreligion, we had some precious seasons 



A SUPERANNUATE. 81 

of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Sinners 
were awakened, converted, and added to the Church, 
and believers were strengthened and built up in their 
most holy faith. 

One of my preaching-places was Mount Holly. I 
used to go there and preach, then visit, sing and pray 
with the families, and the next morning ride twenty- 
three miles before breakfast ; then ride three miles 
further and preach, sometimes to six or eight persons. 
Here, however, we had some good times, and God in- 
creased the little society both in numbers and graces. 
At this place, I formed a most delightful acquaintance 
with a family of the name of Anderson ; and, after 
the fatigue of such a long ride, it was truly refreshing 
to find one's self at home with such kind friends. 
They were surrounded with worldly comforts, and 
their warm-hearted friendship increased the pleasure 
of their society. Many a happy night did I spend 
beneath their roof, talking of the loving-kindness of 
our God. 

In Pittsford we had a very good society of from 
forty to fifty members — warm-hearted, zealous, happy 
souls. • Here the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches 
were established, had meeting-houses, and regarded 
us as intruders into their "parishes." One day I 

fell in company with Elder II , in the road, and, 

after riding with him some distance, said, "Well, 
Elder, what is the state of religion in your Church?" 
" 0, a pretty cold time with us," said he ; " but this 
is our seed-time, you know ; if we should always 



82 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

have harvest, we should have no seed-time; and if we 
always had seed-time, we would never have harvest." 
True, in regard to the vegetable kingdom ; but is not 
this illustration resorted to sometimes as an apology 
for barrenness in the kingdom of heaven? I thank 
God, the economy of grace is such that we may have 
seed-time and harvest both at once. We are often 
permitted to sow the seed of the kingdom, and imme- 
diately witness the glorious fruit ! 

We labored under great disadvantage through want 
of meeting-houses. We had but one on this large 
circuit, and that was built on a cheap plan, and quite 
small. Our preaching was in school-houses, dwelling- 
houses, barns, shops, and in God's own temple, the 
leafy grove. But the Lord blessed us greatly, and 
being sweetly united in the bonds of "the glorious 
Gospel," we were happy. It was a great cross in 
those days to be a Methodist; hence, the people gen- 
erally counted the cost before giving their names for 
membership ; and when they did come they generally 
held on their way, growing strong in faith and hope. 
In the village of Brandon we had an excellent society. 
Here my principal home was at the house of brother 
Pomeroy, father to Rev. Charles Pomeroy, of the 
New York conference. In Leister our society was 
large. At this place, I made the acquaintance of 
Judge Olin, the father of the lamented Dr. Stephen 
Olin, the distinguished writer, traveler, preacher, di- 
vine, and scholar. The Judge was a tall, robust man. 
He used to attend our meetings, and, on first seeing 






A SUPERANNUATE. 83 

him in the congregation, I took him to be a sleepy, 
dull man, and not much given to talk ; but, on further 
acquaintance, after visiting him in his own house, my 
first impressions proved incorrect; for he was a man 
of sound mind, of extensive information, and a great 
talker. He told me he thought our Church polity 
the best in the world, so long as the officers have 
plenty of religion; " but," said he, "you have the 
machinery all arranged so that if your leading men 
lose their religion, they can cut your heads off at a 
stroke." I told him that all Church governments 
have their diflBculties; that we did not pretend that 
ours was entirely perfect; but it had hitherto worked 
well, with as little, and perhaps less friction than any 
other, and we were disposed to hold on to it; and that 
I believed it would stand the test as long as Church 
governments are needed in the world. 

I formed the acquaintance of many Christian fam- 
ilies on this circuit, who welcomed me to their houses, 
ministered to my temporal wants, and sympathized 
with me in all my labors, trials, and privations. The 
year closed with the very best of feeling among the 
entire membership. In looking over the stewards' 
book, it appeared that I had received one hundred 
and fifty dollars for the year. After a few days' rest, 
I started to conference in company with my presiding 
elder, Rev. Samuel Draper. 

On our way, we called at a house to lodge for the 
night, when the man came out, shook hands heartily 
with brother Draper, and asked him if he remem- 



84 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

bered preaching up in the Green Mountains at a cer- 
tain time, when he had but one man for a hearer. 
Brother D. remembered it well. He took the text, 
" Thou art the man ;" and the hearer was convicted 
and converted to God, and now stood before us, 
happy to welcome us to his house. 

We often preached to small congregations in those 
days, and incidents similar to the above have often 
occurred. Our business was to declare the whole 
counsel of God to few or many, whether they would 
hear, or whether they would forbear. " Sow thy seed 
in the morning, and in the evening withhold not thy 
hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, 
whether this or that, or whether both shall be alike 
good/ 5 

The conference sat in Amenia, New York. The 
exercises of the session were peculiarly interesting to 
me. In company with several others, I was admitted 
into full connection, and elected and ordained deacon. 
In the examination of character, it appeared that one 
brother had not been to his work. His reason was, 
that his appointment was too far off. He had friends, 
and wished to live near them. It was also discovered 
that this brother was somewhat afflicted with that 
unfortunate disease, the "big-head." He was sus- 
pended. He was a man of more than ordinary mind 
for one of his years, but by some means or other, he 
found it out when he was too young, and was led to 
"think more highly of himself than he ought to 
think;" and then, of course, he was ruined for a 



A SUPERANNUATE. 85 

Methodist preacher. Whenever a young preacher is 
attacked with this disease — unless, by some means, 
he is cured immediately — his usefulness is at an end. 
" Humility is the forerunner of advancement and 
honor; and ambition, the harbinger of destruction 
and ruin." Humility adorned the life of Jesus, and 
crowns the worship of angels. And shall man — poor, 
frail, short-sighted man — called to minister in holy 
things — to lead wretched, sinful, perishing souls from 
the verge of hell to the foot of the cross of Jesus, to 
be pardoned, purified, and saved through his atoning 
blood — shall man, I say, thus employed, be proud or 
vain of a little talent, which God has given him for 
improvement, and for which he must give account in 
the great day? Rather 

* Let me be little and unknown, 
Loved and prized by God alone." 



8G RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER VI. 

BRANDON CIRCUIT — SECOND YEAR. 

From the conference of May, 1813, I was returned 

to Brandon circuit, with a young brother, B 

N- , for my colleague. We traveled together in 

harmony. He was brought up in Canada, was with- 
out polish, staid with us a few years, and then 
concluded there was too much labor devolving on a 
Methodist itinerant — 'got the " big-head" — -joined the 
Episcopalians, and became a " lay-reader'' in the 
"Church;" of his subsequent history I know nothing 
more. 

It was strange, in those days, to hear men complain 
of hard labor ixi the Methodist ministry. We used to 
vie with each other for difficult appointments, consid- 
ering such the more responsible, and therefore the 
more honorable, as affording better opportunity for 
self-denial, and for testing our attachment to the 
cause of Christ. For the first nine years of my itiner- 
ant life, I volunteered for work in the old North dis- 
trict, in the New York conference. I never desired to 
be any thing other than a traveling — yes, a traveling 
Methodist preacher. In the midst of the toil of such 
a life, I could ever sing, 

" This work shall make my heart rejoice, 
And spend the remnant of my days." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 87 

I was soon among old friends, who gave me their 
warm congratulations, and contributed in every pos- 
sible way to make us comfortable among them for 
another year. This was truly a warm-hearted, gen- 
erous people. I loved them dearly, and I love them 
still ; but most of them have passed on before me to 
the land of promise. I pray God to keep me faithful 
a little longer, and then I shall meet them in heaven. 

This year we took in a new appointment, in New 
Haven, Vermont. We met with much opposition, 
but the hand of our God was upon us for good, and 
we had a glorious revival of religion. We organized a 
new society of forty or fifty members, among whom 
were some noble spirits. One of these was Mrs. 
Smith — sister to Rev. William Jewett, of the New 
York conference. She now resides near Granville, 
Ohio, and enjoys the esteem of her brethren and sis- 
ters as a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. These were seasons of refreshing indeed. 
God was with his people, working salvation in the 
midst of the earth! We did then, do now, and ever 
will, give all the glory to God, "who is glorious in 
holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. " "It 
was not by might, uor by power, but by my Spirit, 
saith the Lord." 

On going to one of my appointments, in the re- 
motest part of the circuit, I took a road on which I 
was not acquainted, and, having a long ride, thought 
best to stop at a public house and refresh my horse. 
While sitting in the "bar-room," there were present 



88 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

two men enjoying themselves exceedingly in conver- 
sation, who, I learned, were Bev. Mr. W , of the 

Baptist Church, and Mr. M , one of his deacons. 

When ready to start, I inquired if there was a nearer 
way to East Bay than through New Haven. Mr. 

W answered, "Yes, but to what part of East 

Bay do you wish to go?' ' "To Mr. Harlow's/ ' "To 
Isaac Harlow's ?" said he. "I do not know his first 
name, sir." "Well, is he a Methodist?" "Yes, sir." 
"And are you a Methodist preacher?" "Yes, sir." 
"Well I am a Baptist preacher," said he. "Yes, sir; 
how do you do, sir?" said I. "Mr. Harlow once 
belonged to the Baptist Church," said he; "but he 
was always a Methodist at heart." "And so is 
every man when his soul is converted," said I. At 
this the deacon spoke and said, "0 no! I never 
was." (Here they both talked at once.) " One at a 
time," said I, "and it will last the longer, or both at 
once and the sooner over." The deacon continued, 
" When I was convicted I fought against God with 
all my might." " Well, did you not submit to God 
before you was converted?" "No," said the deacon, 
"I fought against him all the time!" "Well," said 
I, " St. Paul says, i As ye have received Christ Jesus 
the Lord, so walk ye in him:' and as you received 
him fighting against God, you must be walking in 
him fighting against God ; and so you can not be one 
of his people ; for the Bible says his people shall be 
willing in the day of his power ; not that they shall 
be forced to submit, but they shall be a ' willing peo- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 89 

pie;' as the Psalmist said, so do they, <I delight to 
do thy will, God.'" He contended that God has 
determined to save certain persons, whether they will 
submit or not ! How amazing is the power of preju- 
dice ! I insisted that men must first submit to God's 
terms, or he will never save them ; and after consid- 
erable conversation, we parted in peace. 

Some time in the summer, we established an ap- 
pointment in Sudbury — a place in which there had 
never been a Methodist sermon preached. At my 
first visit to the place, I had only about a dozen 
hearers; but the Spirit of the Lord rested on me 
while I dwelt on these words : " But truly as the 
Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a 
step between me and death." The little congrega- 
tion manifested considerable interest; there was 
indeed a " shaking among the dry bones," and I felt 
strong confidence that God would favor us with a 
good work in the place. Opposition was excited, as 
a matter of course, but the Lord made bare his arm 
in our behalf, and we had a glorious time. One of 
my hearers asked a neighbor why he did not come to 
hear the Methodist preach. He replied that there was 
no need of coming, for they could hear him any where 
in the neighborhood. The Lord blessed me with 
a good pair of lungs, and the probability is that I 
had as many hearers that did not come to meeting as 
there were in the house. A good society of forty or 
fifty members was formed, as the result of these 

efforts. 

S 



90 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

An excellent brother lived here, of the name 
of Rhodes, who was, in every respect, well quali- 
fied to take charge of the class. And, 0, how 
much depends on this ! Many a society has dwindled 
away for the want of a suitable leader. He should 
possess deep piety, sound judgment, and strong feel- 
ing for the prosperity of Zion. His work is arduous 
and responsible. If any of his flock are absent, he 
should know the cause : if any one is sick he should 
visit and pray with him, and report the case to the 
pastor : if they are discouraged, he should counsel, 
instruct, and encourage them : if they are careless, 
he should exhort and expostulate with them : if they 
are wicked, he should affectionately admonish and 
reprove them; and, if they persist, or become out- 
breaking, he should have them excluded the Church, 
lest their example corrupt others. With such a 
leader, a society will scarcely fail to prosper. The 
Lord raise up such among us more and more-— men 
full of faith and the Holy Ghost ! 

In the winter of 1813, the epidemic, called the 
plague, prevailed to an alarming extent. People 
were smitten down and carried off as rapidly as with 
the cholera. They would be taken with a pain in 
the finger, or thumb, or toe, or ear, and die in six or 
eight hours. They scarcely ever lived over twenty- 
four hours. This was a most dreadful calamity. 
Some of the best members of the Church were taken 
away at a stroke. I had to attend funerals almost 
every day, sometimes several in the same neighbor- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 91 

hood* These occasions afforded me opportunity to 
declare the Gospel to many who seldom, if ever, heard 
Methodist preaching ; for, in that region, at that time, 
there was but little sociability with Methodists, on the 
part of other denominations. 

I still found myself occasionally in collision with 
Presbyterian and Baptist preachers; but this was 
never with me a matter of choice. It was always more 
pleasant to me to live in harmony w T ith all Christians, 
and to unite my efforts with theirs in assaulting, 
directly, the powers of darkness, and seeking the 
conversion of souls. Yet, when the peculiarities of 
Methodism were assaulted and misrepresented, I 
esteemed it nothing less than a sacred duty to 
" contend earnestly for the faith which was once 
delivered unto the saints/' 

I will now say, that, upon the whole, this was a 
happy year. Many precious souls were born into the 
kingdom, and united with us in Church fellowship. 
When the labors of this second year closed, I found 
the mutual attachment between pastor and people 
to be stronger than at the end of the first year. 
Religion is pre-eminently a social principle. It 
cements Christian hearts into one — lays, deep and 
broad, the foundation for reciprocal love and friend- 
ship in this life, and fits us for eternal association in 
the kingdom of our Father above. 

* And if our fellowship below 

In Jesus be so sweet, 
What hight of rapture shall we know, 

When round his throne we meet !" 



92 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

The next session of our conference was held in the 
city of New York, which furnished occasion for my 
first visit to that great emporium of trade. On the 
first Sabbath, I had an appointment to preach in the 
Green-Street Church, which I did from the words, 
" Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician 
there ?" Had but a moderate time, as it was a new 
thing with me to preach in a great city. Subse- 
quently, however, I had precious times in holding 
forth the word of life, in Duane-Street, Allen-Street, 
and in the old John-Street Church, on the spot where 
was erected the first Methodist church in America. 
The "city folks''' were fond of listening to the 
preachers from up north, and we frequently had a 
shout in the congregation ; and, I doubt not, that, 
when favored with an old-fashioned Gospel sermon, 
some of the New York Methodists will yet shout 
forth the praise of God in the midst of the Lord's 
house ; for, there are among them, not only warm- 
hearted Christians, but some genuine, whole-souled 
Methodists. 

I have sometimes been pained to hear a certain 
class of our members in the country, insinuate that 
city Methodists were destitute of the life and power of 
experimental religion, and were too proud and formal 
to possess the living faith that should characterize the 
followers of Christ. And, on the other hand, it can 
not be questioned that some of the members in the 
city look upon the membership in the country as 
destitute of true Christian refinement, if not as 



A SUPERANNUATE. 93 

ignorant enthusiasts. But I am happy to know that 
these improper views are entertained only by such 
of each class as have had little or no opportunity of 
mingling with those whose religious character they 
underrate. If there could be more intercourse 
between country and city Methodists, there would 
be found to exist more oneness of sentiment and 
feeling among them, than is frequently supposed. 
The spirit of Methodism is the same every-where. 
It is in reality but the spirit of genuine Christianity 
itself, and, therefore, is capable of adaptation to 
all the varied circumstances of human life. "While 
Methodism can not be bent, in spirit, to all the 
gayeties and follies of fashionable life, it does not 
adopt an "iron bedstead" law, so as to prevent 
conformity to the decent usages of society. Chris- 
tianity is designed to rule in all the kingdoms of 
the earth, by diffusing through all a spirit and 
power to mold the life after the Gospel standard, 
without bringing all the nations under one form of 
civil and social law; and so Methodism, which is 
" Christianity in earnest," is, and ought to be, sus- 
ceptible of those outward modifications which different 
communities imperatively demand, so far as such 
modifications can be made without marring her spirit, 
but no farther ! 

In attending to the business of conference, at this 
session, in listening to remarks of older brethren in 
the ministry, and hearing the representations of the 
work of the Lord, in the different parts of our 



94 RECOLLECTIONS E 

geographical boundaries, I was instructed and edified. 
Like as the officers of an army, after a successful 
engagement with an obstinate foe, meet and detail 
the progress of the battle, as it transpired under their 
immediate supervision, in different parts of the 
extended field of strife, so these ministers of truth, 
officers in the army of the Lord, report at their 
annual convocation, the advancement made at differ- 
ent points, and the trophies won under the banner of 
the cross, and shout together the praises of the 
Captain of their salvation, through whose wisdom 
and power they have been led to achieve their glori- 
ous victories. At the close of the session, Mr. C , 

the gentleman with whom I boarded, favored me with 
some fine presents, for which I was truly grateful, as 
the pittance received from my circuit was entirely 
inadequate to meet the wants of my family. At his 
urgent request, I mostly afterward put up with him, 
during my visits to the city, and he never failed to 
bestow upon me some substantial evidence of his 
undissembled friendship, and true Christian gen- 
erosity. His presents, though not large,, were always 
useful. Whosoever giveth to a disciple, shall not 
lose his reward. 

The conference closed with a sterling address from 
the Bishop, after which we were all soon en route for 
our respective fields of toil, suffering, and triumph. 

" "When we asunder part, 

It gives us inward pain ; 
But we shall still be join'd in heart, 

And hope to meet again." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 95 



CHAPTER VII. 

CHARLOTTE CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

At the close of the conference of May, 1814, my 
appointment was to the Charlotte circuit, in Vermont. 
My family had lived two years in Hubbardstown, in 

a house furnished by Major H- , who generously 

offered us the use of it another year, if my family 
would remain. I felt unwilling to leave them, and 
we proceeded to move to our circuit. The roads were 
now extremely bad. The Government had been haul- 
ing cannon and other munitions of war, and cut them 
up so that they were almost impassable. When we 
succeeded in getting through to Muncietown, where 
we expected to find a house in readiness, we ascer- 
tained that there was none provided, and none in the 
place that could be rented. We stored away our fur- 
niture under a shed, where it remained till we suc- 
ceeded in renting part of a house for a few months. 
After some time, an infidel, a physician in the place, 
offered us the use of a house, if we would accept it. 
We did so, and moved in, thankful for the kindness, 
though the house was not very comfortable. 

And here let me speak of the infidel doctor. He 
was a man of noble, generous impulses, though, like 
too many others, he imbibed infidel principles while 



96 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

in college. He informed me, himself, that he was 
established in disbelief of the Scriptures before leav- 
ing the institution. When will all our colleges be- 
come nurseries of Scriptural Christianity, instead of 
" hot-beds " of corrupting infidelity ? Heaven hasten 
the day! Some think the Church is turning aside 
from her appropriate work when she is vigorously 
laboring to endow colleges, and to build up institu- 
tions of learning under her immediate supervision 
and control. This is a grand mistake. The Church 
never will accomplish her glorious mission fully till 
she provides for the education of her children under 
such circumstances as will effectually guard them from 
the poisonous skepticism that lurks within the pre- 
cincts of too many colleges. I bless God, the Church 
is becoming conscious of her responsibility at this 
point. Like the prophet casting salt into the springs 
to heal the waters of Jericho, she is beginning to 
purify these fountains of moral influence, that there 
may issue therefrom no more the streams of moral 
death. But the doctor now discovered his error, and 
came to my house three times in one night to ask me 
to pray for him. He was in an awful agony of soul. 
He said he had cursed his only Savior, and feared 
there was no mercy for him. I told him that Jesus 
died for sinners — for sinners of every class and hue — 
that he invites all who labor and are heavy laden to 
come unto him, and promises to give them rest. I 
assured him that the promises of the Gospel were not 
yea and nay, but yea and amen in Christ Jesus, and 



A SUPERANNUATE. 97 

that heaven and earth would pass away sooner than 
any one of them shall fail. I urged him to look to 
Calvary — to the rejected, despised Jesus of Nazareth, 
who prayed for his enemies while hanging upon the 
cross in the agony of death — as his only refuge. He 
did look to Christ. He pleaded and groaned for par- 
don through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 
and found peace in believing. "What a blessed change 
was this! The caviling skeptic was humbled to the 
foot of the cross, and by the power of divine grace, 
was renewed and clothed in his right mind. His de- 
spairing wail of agony gave place to the song of 
victory and thanksgiving. After this, he often took 
me with him to visit his patients, to talk and pray 
with them ; and he would join in the delightful work 
of pointing the sick and dying to the Lamb of God 
that taketh away the sin of the world. And what a 
field of usefulness is open to the pious physician! 
He can whisper " Jesus" in the ear of many to whom 
the minister can have no access. Would to God that 
all who practice the " healing art" were men of faith 
and prayer ! 

Some time this summer, there was to be a camp 
meeting on Brandon circuit, and having traveled there, 
the two previous years, I felt anxious to attend it. 
The time came — I made ready and started, but, when 
fourteen miles from home, was taken sick. It was 
thought the attack would prove fatal. My wife was 
sent for, and we remained several weeks. The friends 

were very kind, and did all in their power to make us 

9 



98 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

comfortable. Many of the preachers called to see 
me, and sung and prayed with me, on their return 
from camp meeting. They told me that if prayer 
would keep me alive, I would not die then ; for they 
had never heard so many prayers for one person as 
were offered for me on the camp-ground. "The 
effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth 
much." When I became some better, they put me in a 
carriage and took me home, where I remained several 
months before I w 7 as able to preach. During this 
long affliction the grace of God sustained my heart. 
We were now living nearer the seat of war than 
we had been before. We were only seven miles from 
the Lake, on which M'Donough's celebrated battle 
was fought. Every thing relative to our safety de- 
pended on the success of the American arms in that 
desperate conflict. About the 1st of September, Sir 
George Prevost, commander of the British forces, 
moved his army to Plattsburg, and the British fleet 
sailed up Lake Champlain, for the purpose of making 
a simultaneous attack, by land and water. The Brit- 
ish forces were far superior to the American, both 
in numbers and training — they consisting of veteran 
troops recently transported from the European wars 
which had just terminated. Generals Macomb and 
Moores hastily collected what forces they could — con- 
sisting, in large part, of New York militia, and pre- 
pared to meet the overwhelming force of the enemy, 
and check, if possible, this portentous invasion. The 
Americans abandoned the town at the approach of 



A SUPER A.N N U A T E . 99 

the enemy, and it was occupied by the British. The 
place is situated on the banks of the Saranac, near 
its entrance into the Lake, and the American works 
were on the opposite side of the stream. Here the 
Americans prepared to give battle to their haughty 
foe. The American fleet was also inferior to that 
of the British. Our vessels carried eighty-six guns, 
and eight hundred men, while the British had ninety- 
five guns and over a thousand men. In every re- 
spect the odds were fearfully against us. It was a 
beautiful Sabbath morning, the 11th of September, 
when, at nine o'clock, we heard the thunder of the 
cannon on the Lake. I was just able to walk out 
with my cane. For a few minutes, my mind was 
considerably agitated ; then all was calm within. 
I trusted that the God of power, who sustained our 
fathers through the Revolutionary struggle, would 
give us the victory that day. The people in the 
neighborhood rushed to the scene of action. It was 
an awfully solemn time. The roar of artillery, the 
rattle of musketry, with the vivid impression that 
scores of immortal souls were rushing into the eter- 
nal world, combined to inspire in my heart emotions 
of no ordinary character. 

The Rev. Mr. W , of Fairfield, Vermont, a 

Presbyterian minister, called upon the people of his 
parish to come to the rescue. A large number of 
them joined with him, and they hurried to the field. 
In crossing the Lake, their boat ran aground — where- 
upon the preacher cried out, " Follow me, boys!'' and 



100 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

dashed into the water. They followed him, gained 
the shore, and were soon in the midst of the battle. 
The " old priest," as they called him, was soon 
discovered down on his knees, taking deliberate aim 
at a " red coat." 

The engagement commenced on water and land, 
at the same hour. The British troops on land made 
several desperate efforts to cross the Saranac, so as 
to storm the American works, but were foiled in 
every attempt ; while the air was full of flying bombs, 
rockets, and hot balls, carrying death across the 
stream. On the water, every vessel was brought into 
action at once, and for over two hours the deadly 
strife raged with fury, the victory seemingly poised 
equally between the contending forces, when the 
Saratoga, of the American fleet, performed a most 
difficult maneuver ; she warped round, and brought 
to bear a fresh broadside, which soon determined 
the fate of the day. Some of the enemy's vessels 
sunk, a few escaped, and the rest surrendered. The 
loss of the Americans was fifty-two killed and fifty- 
eight wounded. The loss of the British was eighty- 
four killed, and one hundred and ten wounded, and 
eight hundred and fifty-six prisoners. On land, the 
firing was kept up till night ; then, under cover of 
the darkness, the whole force of Sir George Pre- 
vost precipitately fled, leaving behind the sick and 
wounded, with large quantities of munitions of war, 
much of which was discovered to be buried in the 
earth. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 101 

This was a most brilliant victory, and put an end 
to the war on Lake Champlain, and through that 
part of the country. The sensations of joy that 
filled the hearts of thousands, as the tidings of 
victory spread from place to place, may be imagined, 
but never can be described. God grant that the 
quiet of the holy Sabbath may never again be dis- 
turbed, in this lovely land, by the din of battle or 
the alarm of war. 

But as Christians, we have a battle to fight with 
weapons which are not carnal, but mighty, through 
God, to the pulling down of strongholds. " For we 
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against prin- 
cipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the 
darkness pf this world, against spiritual wickedness 
in high places." 

€t Angels our march oppose, 

Who still in strength excel — 
Our secret, sworn, eternal foes, 

Countless, invisible. 
From thrones of glory driven, 

By flaming vengeance hurl'd, 
They throng the air, and darken heaven, 

And rule this lower world." 

This conflict began in Eden, when appetite gained 
the first victory over duty. Then the " Prince of 
darkness" became the " god of this world;" but he 
was scarcely seated on his usurped throne, before the 
proclamation issued from the palace of the Lord of 
lords that the seed of the woman shall bruise the 
serpent's head. And when the fullness of time was 



102 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

come, God sent forth his son in the likeness of 
sinful man ; that, in the nature of man, as " the 
seed of the woman/' he might destroy the works of 
the devil. He grappled with the monster in his own 
domain, by dying for the sins of the world, and came 
off with the triumphant shout of victory, " I am he 
that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive 
for evermore, amen ; and have the keys of hell and 
of death !" He is the Captain of our salvation. In 
his name we trust. By his grace we may withstand 
all the assaults of the devil, and in the midst of the 
strife against the powers of darkness, sing— - 

"What though a thousand hosts engage 
A thousand worlds, my soul to shake; 

I have a shield shall quell their rage, 
And drive the alien armies back : 

Portray'd it bears a bleeding Iamb; 

I dare believe in Jesus' name." 

But to return. I found Methodism on this circuit 
the same as in my former fields. Nothing of very 
especial interest transpired in our bounds. It was 
a year of much personal affliction ; so that I was in 
a great measure disabled from putting forth the 
active efforts for the promotion of the good work 
that I desired. My powers of endurance, after the 
protracted illness of the summer, were not sufficient 
to justify severe labors through the winter season ; 
yet, when able, I followed the regular routine of 
duties on the circuit, and found that my labors were 
not in vain in the Lord. I found many excellent 



A SUPERANNUATE. 103 

spirits on this circuit, and closed the year, thankful 
to God, that through scenes of deep affliction, and 
the ragings of war, he had preserved us alive and 
restored my wonted health. 

Our next conference sat in the city of Albany. 
At this session I was ordained elder, by the venerable 
Bishop M'Kendree. The Rev. Dr. Phoebus preached 
the ordination sermon from 2 Cor. vi, 7: "By pure- 
ness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, 
by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned." The dis- 
course contained many remarks calculated to impress 
the mind with the importance of a thorough qualifi- 
cation for the ministerial office, especially by pos- 
sessing 'the Holy Ghost, and love unfeigned. The 
venerable Bishop Asbury was with us, and I think 
this was the last session of our conference he ever 
attended. 

From this conference — May, 1815 — I was returned 
to the Charlotte circuit. This was very satisfactory 
to myself and family, and seemed equally pleasing 
to my friends in the circuit. They gave me a cor- 
dial welcome ; and as I had been so much hindered 
from efficient service the previous year, on account 
of affliction, I now felt like devoting my energies 
anew to God and his work. The conference sent 
along with me my son in the Gospel, the Rev. Nicho- 
las White, of whose conversion I have before spoken. 
He was a faithful laborer in the vineyard of the 
Lord — but he over-taxed his physical powers, pro- 
duced hemorrhage from the lungs, and found it 



104 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

necessary to desist from preaching for some time. 
He was able to preach but little, for several years ; 
but at length recovered his health, was made effective, 
and continued in the work till one or two years 
ago. Since then, I suppose he is like his father 
in the Gospel, " superannuated." But if he had 
strength, I doubt not that he would still rush into 
the thickest of the battle, and fight valiantly for his 
king and his God. He was a worthy man, a faithful 
minister of the Lord Jesus, and a most companion- 
able colleague. We traveled together harmoni- 
ously, and the Lord gave us many souls as seals to 
our ministry. 

In Starksboro, we were favored with a precious 
revival of religion, in which we had the pleasure of 
receiving a large number into the Church. Here 
lived two twin brothers, who were awakened on the 
same day, both converted on one day, received into 
the Church on the same day, both licensed to exhort 
at once, licensed to preach at the same time, recom- 
mended for the traveling connection both at once, and 
finally admitted into the conference on the same day. 
At several other points on the circuit, the Church was 
blessed with the outpourings of the Holy Spirit, and 
sinners came flocking to the "ark of safety" like 
clouds, and as doves to their windows. 

In the course of this year, in a village above where 
my family lived, the people — and I do not know that 
there was a professor of religion among them — built 
a neat house of worship and finished it completely, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 105 

with cupola and bell, and then invited me to settle 
among them as pastor. Among other things, they 
said, " Mr. Lewis, your people do not pay their min- 
isters enough for a comfortable support — come settle 
with us and preach for us, and we will pay you bet- 
ter." I knew we did not get enough to support our 
families, but I could not find it in my heart to leave 
the itinerancy on that account; so, in my answer, I 
said to them. " The Savior's command is, ■ Go ye into 
all the world, and preach the Gospel to every crea- 
ture ;' but I do not find that he ever said, i Stay and 
preach.' " Afterward, I went and preached for them 
from these words : " I must preach the kingdom of 
God to other cities also, for therefore am I sent." In 
discoursing on these words, I took occasion to give 
my views of the relative advantages of a settled and 
traveling ministry, after which they ceased to impor- 
tune. I subsequently learned that the preachers who 
followed us on this field, embraced that place in their 
regular labors, and that they had a glorious revival of 
religion; the people became converted, joined the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and their appointment, 
so novelly begun, became a strong point on the circuit. 
The place is probably a station ere this ; for it is now 
over forty years since they built the meeting-house, 
and invited me to become their preacher. In that 
time great changes occur — some for the better, and 
some that do not work so well. But I bless God, 
that in all the changes that have taken place, the 
doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church remain 



106 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

unchanged; and I trust in God that those doctrines 
will ever remain unchanged; for I have the most 
unwavering belief that the founders of our denomi- 
nation hit upon the true theology of the Bible. 

And I still believe the Methodist Church polity is 
the best in the world. Disaffected persons may cry 
out " Despotism," " Tyranny," "Episcopacy," etc., 
but I have lived within her pale a great many years, 
and never yet found her economy oppressive. And 
no one need be alarmed about oppression in the 
Methodist Church, who wishes to be a self-denying, 
devoted Christian, and lay himself out to do good 
in his day and generation. But when persons 
become worldly and restless, and wish to make a 
fair show in religion without possessing its life and 
power, then her rules are found too stringent, and 
the cry of oppression is soon raised. So in re- 
gard to the ministry. A God-fearing, self-sacrific- 
ing Christian minister, whose object is to do good 
and save souls, never finds room for complaint; 
but the worldly, time-serving, half-hearted preacher, 
whose soul is not consecrated to the work of Christ, 
finds the itinerancy laborious, burdensome, oppres- 
sive. All I am, and all I have, I owe, under God, 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In all her 
trials, she has had my sympathy and prayers, and 
in all her glorious triumphs my heart has rejoiced. 
In her ministry, I have had a good share of hard- 
ship and toil, but, by the grace of God, I have not 
shunned the cross, nor shrunk from responsibility, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 107 

and my heart has been kept at peace with God, 
and in love to his Church. 

"Beyond my highest joy, 

I prize his heavenly ways ; 
Her sweet communion, solemn vows, 
Her hymns of love and praise." 

I closed my second year on Charlotte circuit, 
having preached in several places where Methodist 
preachers had not been permitted before to deliver 
their messages to the people. One had been beaten 
with rods, or with the cow-hide, and others were 
most shamefully treated; but in my day there, the 
prejudices of the people were yielding, and they 
have since then broken down. The light of a pure 
Gospel will always break off the shackles of prejudice, 
and emancipate the people from the thraldom of 
bigotry. It discovers to men their heaven-born 
right to worship God according to the dictates of 
their own consciences. There is nothing like it to 
conquer the captious spirit of sectarianism. May 
it shine more and more till Christ shall come in glory 
to make up his jewels! " Then shall ye return and 
discern between the righteous and the wicked, be- 
tween him that serveth God and him that serveth 
him not." 



108 RECOLLECTIONS 3? 



CHAPTER VIII. 

BRANDON CIRCUIT AGAIN — TWO YEARS. 

Our conference sat in May, 1816, in New- York 
city, but owing to the ill-health of my wife, I did not 
attend. We were this year sent again to Brandon 
circuit, which was quite gratifying to myself and fam- 
ily. We were, of course, well acquainted, and per- 
haps more attached to the people of that circuit, than 
of any place in which we had lived. My mind was 
also free from anxiety in reference to the matter, for 
one of the stewards had visited the presiding elder 
in order to induce him to use his influence to have me 
sent there. We soon moved back to Hubbardstown, 
where we resided the other two years we were on the 
circuit. The Rev. J. Byington was my colleague. He 
was an elderly man, though he had only traveled a 
few years. He was a man of strong mind, a good 
reasoner, and a very fine theologian ; but on some 
account he was not very popular with the people. 
Men are not always valued according to their real 
worth. People are apt to be attracted by the tinsel 
of oratory, while they overlook the pure gold of rea- 
son and truth. 

We took in a new appointment in Poultney — 
preached a few times, and then the people in whose 



A SUPERANNUATE, 109 

house our meetings" were held, told me they would be 
pleased to have us continue preaching there, but their 
neighbors were so much opposed to my colleague, 
that they threatened to have no friendship with them, 
if they permitted him to preach in their house. They 
said to me, "You can preach here, but your col- 
league will have to desist." I replied that I and 
my colleague were one in the work — that he was a 
worthy man and ought to be heard, and that I could 
not consent to preach where he was not permitted to 
do the same. Then a gentleman living some three 
miles distant, invited us to preach in his house. We 
did so, and found large and attentive congregations, 
where we could worship in peace, and some good was 
done in the name of our divine Master. We met with 
some opposition at nearly every point, but the good 
Lord gave us favor in the eyes of many people, and 
souls were converted through the instrumentality of 
his own truth, and united with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

In the early part of this year, a young man whose 
parents were Baptists, went to New York city, for 
the benefit of his health, and while there attended 
meeting in the old John-Street Methodist church, 
where, for fhe first time in his life, he heard a Meth- 
odist sermon. After returning, he came and told me 
of his visit to the city, and of the sermon, and invited 
me to come over and preach in the township in which 
he lived. I sent an appointment — went, and found 
ten or twelve persons assembled to hear the stranger ; 



110 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

preached, and left another appointment. There were 
more out on my next visit; the new doctrine seemed to 
attract some attention ; and this gave me encourage- 
ment to hope that the seed sown would soon produce 
some fruit. When preaching was over, about a dozen 
young people went into an adjoining room, and com- 
menced singing some pieces of music. I went in and 
proposed to take part, and after singing several tunes 
with them, took occasion to make some remarks in 
regard to the privilege of singing the high praises of 
our Redeemer, and spoke of the fearful state of those 
who are cast out from his presence, and forever 
deprived of the delight and joy attending the celebra- 
tion of the praise of God in his holy habitation above. 
The remarks were kindly received, seeming to make 
good impressions on the minds of the young persons, 
and in order to improve the occasion still further, I 
invited them to kneel with me in prayer ; and while 
my heart was lifted up to heaven, invoking the 
blessing of God upon them, a scene presented itself 
such as angels delight to gaze upon. My young 
friends began to cry for mercy; the great deep of 
their hearts was broken up, and they poured forth 
their undissembled anguish, pleading for salvation in 
the name of Jesus. I continued praying with them 
and pointing them to the " Lamb for sinners slain," 
till four of them were happily converted to God. Be- 
fore leaving, I said to them, " Now, my young friends, 
in four weeks from this time, I shall expect to see you 
in this room and learn how you are getting along." 



A SUPERANNUATE. Ill 

But before I came again, the Baptists had three of 
them under the water, and, of course, into the Bap- 
tist Church. Although the Baptists and Congrega- 
tionalists denounced us as " false teachers," and 
"'wolves in sheep's clothing," they were very willing 
to take our converts on their Methodist experience. 
At my next appointment, I found the house crowded 
to overflowing, and preached from Hebrews ii, 3 : 
" How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salva- 
tion?" We had a glorious season. In a short time 
we organized a class here, and continued to preach; 
for the Lord commanded his blessing upon us, so that 
prosperity attended us. Those young converts who 
were enticed into the Baptist Church, came back, 
bringing their parents w r ith them ; and they all con- 
tinued steadfast in the doctrine of the apostles, in 
prayers, in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and great grace 
rested upon them. After organizing a society, and 
establishing a regular appointment, we applied for 
the use of the school-house in the neighborhood, and 
preached in it a few times; but the teacher was a 
Congregationalist, and being violently opposed to us, 
locked up the house. But God raised us up a friend 
in the person of a gentleman of materialistic senti- 
ments. He was a man of wealth, had attended some 
of our meetings, and now proposed to furnish us a 
house to preach in which he owned in a village of 
considerable size. This was not a central point for 
our little society, but it was a fine place for a congre- 



112 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

gation. u The wrath of man shall praise thee, and 
the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." God 
continued to smile upon us for good, and finally I 
had the privilege of preaching Christ in the Baptist 
meeting-house, in the center of the township. The 
school-teacher who locked his door against us, came 
and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
brought his wife along. Now the Methodists are a 
flourishing, influential Church, and have a large 
house of worship on one side of the public square. 
Truly, the handful of corn on the top of the moun- 
tain shakes like Lebanon. " This is the Lord's 
doing, and marvelous in our eyes !" 

The summer of 1816 was a cold, dry season, far 
surpassing any known to me in all my experience. 
There was not one-fourth enough corn grown in the 
region where we lived to fatten meat for the use 
of the people. Wheat was very poor; potatoes 
almost entirely failed ; hay was less than the fourth 
of a crop; pastures and water-streams dried up 
completely, and the cattle could be heard lowing 
mournfully for food and drink. People were much 
alarmed. The horrors of famine stared them in the 
face. I went to a gentleman living near who had 
a quantity of old wheat, and purchased enough to 
sustain my family another year, paying for it $2.25 
per bushel. In Sudbury — the place in which I 
organized a new society, while on the circuit before — 
I was preaching in the Presbyterian meeting-house, 
upon invitation of the members, their minister having 



A SUPERANNUATE. 113 

left — and proposed having a day of fasting and 
prayer, in view of the prevailing drought; and ap- 
pointed public service in this church. But what I wish 
to notice is, that the people left their farms, houses, 
stores, and shops, and flocked to the house of prayer. 
Even wicked men came, and brought their hired 
hands with them to attend divine service. Death, 
in ghastly array, stood before them and their cattle, 
making them willing, and then they could find time 
enough to come out and join with us in the solemn 
services of the sanctuary. This circumstance proves 
that ungodly men have some confidence in prayer. 
In fact, there is scarcely a sane man to be found, 
who, when in distress or threatened with calamity, 
does not wish to have an interest in the prayers 
of God's people. I have now in mind another melan- 
choly illustration of this truth. While stationed on 
the island, the enemies of religion sought to injure 
the cause of Methodism by circulating reports derog- 
atory to the character of the preacher ; and none 
were fonder of the ridicule heaped upon him, or 
took more delight in bespattering his reputation than 
a certain lawyer, who often made himself and others 
merry by repeating silly tales hatched up for the 
purpose. But he was suddenly attacked with hemor- 
rhage of the lungs — then he immediately sent for 
me to come and pray for him! I went in haste, 
and found him in great distress of mind. Every 
lineament of his face bespoke the deep agony of his 

soul. I prayed for him, and urged him to pray for 

10 



114 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

himself. He replied that he prayed every breath 
that God would have mercy on him a sinner; but 
after a few hours, he died, and I attended his funeral. 
Men can easily make light of religion, while in health 
and prosperity, but when eternity presses upon their 
view, if they have their senses, they will want Chris- 
tians to counsel and pray with them. Pause, reader, 
and think of this ; delay not to make thy peace with 
God while life and health are afforded thee, lest 
thou also be brought to lie upon a bed of death, and 
feel those bitter pangs of remorse which will follow 
abused mercies. 

The year was, at length, drawing to a close — and 
our last quarterly meeting was postponed a little, so 
as to fix it upon a time when we could secure the 
services of brethren on their way to conference. By 
this arrangement, we enjoyed the presence and labors 
of Revs. D. Ostrander, Dr. Bangs, S. Merwin, P. P. 
Sanford, and other worthy men of God. Brother 
Sanford preached on Saturday, and at night we had 
a prayer meeting. This was our invariable custom, 
no matter how many preachers were present, whether 
strangers or not. On Sabbath morning, Dr. Bangs 
conducted the love-feast exercises ; and a feast of 
love it was. While preachers and members sketched 
their experience, the heavenly fire burned within us. 
We then repaired to the grove, and brother Ostran- 
der preached a powerful sermon ; this was followed 
by a stirring exhortation from brother Merwin, under 
which the power of God fell upon the assembly like 



A SUPERANNUATE. 115 

successive shocks of electricity. The moving elo- 
quence of the speaker enchained the large audience, 
and swept like a resistless tide, overwhelming all in 
its course. A number of preachers sat in front of 
the stand, and, quick as the lightning's flash, all 
were at once overpowered with the revealing of the 
Divine glory, while the whole congregation, as if 
moved with one Divine impulse, quaked with silent 
awe before the majesty of the mighty God. The 
Spirit of the Lord God rested upon his servant — 
smote the hearts of sinners, and filled his people with 
rejoicing. In the afternoon, our meeting closed with 
the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and with it closed 
the labors of another conference year on Brandon 
circuit. That was a delightful season, and now that 
forty years have passed away, the remembrance is 
still refreshing to me. 

The next morning these brethren went on to the 
seat of conference — Middlebury, Vermont — and the 
day following I was with them. This w T as the first 
time the conference was held so far north. The good 
people of Middlebury exerted themselves to entertain 
the preachers in attendance, well. Bishops M'Ken- 
dree and George w T ere present, and w T e had a harmo- 
nious session. The preaching was doctrinal, practical, 
and instructive. Many that listened to the great and 
good men who preached the Gospel there, went away 
saying, " We never heard it on this fashion ;" some 
said, "That was a splendid sermon;" others would 
say, " That's a smart man — but he needs indoctrin- 



116 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

ating!" Bishop George preached in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, on Sabbath morning — text not 
remembered— a most delightful sermon. His warm 
pathetic appeals, his wholesome Gospel truths, and 
his startling flights of oratory, fired every Christian 
heart, and held, spell-bound, his numerous auditory. 
But this was usual with the Bishop. He was an 
admirable preacher — with me, a great favorite. I 
would love to give the reader an idea of that sermon, 
but it is impossible. I would ride twenty miles, any 
day, to hear another like it. Its fruit will appear in 
the great day. Dr. Emory — subsequently bishop — 
preached a strong sermon in the court-house, on 
regeneration. Text: "Ye must be born again. " 
Bishop M'Kendree delivered one of his smooth, 
melting, instructive discourses, in the Presbyterian 
church, from Jude 3: "Beloved, when I gave all 
diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, 
it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort 
you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith 
which was once delivered unto the saints. " Every 
eye was fixed upon the venerable speaker, and every 
ear turned to catch the words as they proceeded out 
of his mouth. It was a noble effort, and I doubt not 
that much good was done. 

From this conference — May, 1817 — I was returned 
to Brandon, with brother James Cowl for my col- 
league. He had traveled one or two years, and was 
a young man of sterling worth — had a good mind — 
excellent constitution — was fond of study, and, I 



A SUPERANNUATE. 117 

thought, could see the doctrine of a text quicker than 
any man of my acquaintance. He loved to preach, 
and the people loved to hear him. He was, subse- 
quently, stationed in New York city, and, finally, had 
charge of the Academy in Poultney. He died, some 
years ago, greatly lamented, but went off most 
triumphantly. 

We were pleased to have the privilege of remain- 
ing on the circuit another year — and none the less so 
from the fact that we now had a new parsonage, with 
better accommodations for living than we had enjoyed 
since we commenced traveling. Myself and colleague 
were soon at work, preaching, and visiting from house 
to house, holding something like family class meetings, 
in which we inquired of the different persons how 
their souls prospered, and urged upon them the neces- 
sity of deep, uniform piety. After preaching we 
detained the members for class, urged them to seek 
for higher attainments in religion, and to be in life 
decidedly Methodistic — that is, to live by rule or 
method, having every-day religion ; not merely hav- 
ing good desires, but putting them into constant, 
faithful practice — -" living the life they lived in the 
flesh, by the faith of the Son of God, who loved them 
and gave himself for them. ,, We sought to instill 
into their minds the truth, that " Methodist" was 
only another name for a genuine Scriptural Christian. 
Although originally given in derision, it was adopted 
by our fathers as an honorable, expressive appel- 
lation. 



118 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

We knew well that in order to have a revival, there 
must be hearty co-operation between the members 
and preachers — that strong faith must be exercised 
by the Church, as well as by the ministers ; hence, 
we labored to see the Church aroused, to put on her 
strength, and engage with us in direct efforts for the 
salvation of souls. And, whenever we succeeded in 
inducing the membership to covenant together to pray 
two or three times a day for the special outpouring 
of the Spirit, the cause of God was seen to advance. 
Faith and prayer are said to constitute a lever that 
can turn the world upside down. This is just what 
we need. The moral world was inverted by sin ; it 
has been wrong side up, to the extent that sin has 
prevailed, ever since the progenitors of our race ate 
the forbidden fruit ; but, thank heaven ! there is 
moral power in the Gospel to right it up again. 
Religion brings revolted man back to God, and en- 
ables him to breathe his native air. It restores to 
him his forfeited holiness — lights up in his soul the 
fire of divine love— resuscitates the dormant energies 
of his moral being, and constitutes him happy in the 
light of God's reconciled countenance. Who would 
not have religion ! Reader, art thou still unconverted? 
Is thy soul destitute of spiritual life ? Hast thou lived 
till this hour without God, and without hope in the 
world ? Then make up thy mind now, that thou wilt 
not rest till thy soul is born anew from above. Thou 
art standing on dangerous ground ! With every pul- 
sation of thy heart, thou art verging to the grave ! 



A SUPEEANNUATE, 119 

Thou mayest now be on the trembling margin ! Be- 
fore thee is the yawning gulf ! Beneath thy feet roll 
turbulent waves of dark damnation ! Now, 0, pre- 
cious soul, think — 0, think of thy danger ! Look at 
the ceaseless flow of everlasting ages ! Look out — 
out — out upon the limitless duration of eternity ! 
Eternity ! eternity ! Think of that word ! Think of 
night — dark, rayless, starless night — night drawn 
out into perpetual continuance ! Night eternal, 
boundless, merciless, " the blackness of darkness 
forever !" "Canst thou dwell with everlasting burn- 
ings? Canst thou dwell with devouring fire?" Canst 
thou endure the gnawings of the undying worm ? 
Then, for thy soul's sake, make haste to Jesus, thy 
only Savior. Yield thy heart to him in earnest, hum- 
ble, contrite prayer. Embrace, by faith, his precious 
promises. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
thou shalt be saved." 

" Believe in him who died for thee ; 
And, sure as he hath died, 
Thy debt is paid, thy soul is free, 
And thou art justified. " 

And now, dear reader, whosoever thou art, I lift 
up my heart for thee in prayer, that for Christ's sake 
thou mayest be led to venture thy all on the merits 
of the Redeemer's blood, and at last be saved in 
heaven ! 

Having prepared the way by visiting, the people 
went into the work with us heartily, and omens of 
good began to appear ; my old friends were at their 



120 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

posts, ready to stay up our hands, and encourage our 
hearts, and God graciously granted us a year of pros- 
perity. At the close of my first year of this term of 
service, which was properly my third year, I preached 
a farewell sermon at Mount Holly, from these words : 
" Finally, brethren, farewell ; be perfect, be of one 
mind, live in peace, and the God of peace shall be 
with you." On going back to that place to commence 
another year's labor, and thinking of this last dis- 
course, my mind rested on the following words as an 
appropriate foundation for a sermon: "And some 
days after, Paul said unto Barnabas, let us go again 
and visit our brethren in every city where we have 
preached the word of the Lord, and see how they 
do." We had a loving, weeping time. I told them 
I had come to inquire after their spiritual health. I 
rejoiced to find them in prosperity. God was with 
them in deed and in truth. The young converts of 
the previous year stood firm, and were growing in 
grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
God continued to favor us with special divine influ- 
ence, so that this, too, was a blessed year for Mount 
Holly. 

While riding to one of my appointments, I fell in 
company with a gentleman who had an intelligent 
appearance, and wishing to give our conversation a 
religious turn, I remarked, on passing a grove, that 
there was a fine representation of the human family — 
that there were the young, the middle-aged, and the 
old ; that some of each class were dying, and others 



I 



A SUPERANNUATE. 121 

rising to fill their places, etc. He responded but 
gave me to understand that his religious training had 
been of the prevailing sort ; the doctrine had been 
carefully instilled into his mind that God foreor- 
dained whatsoever comes to pass. I asked him if he 
believed that God had decreed from all eternity that 
he and I should ride together that day down to Bish- 
op's Corners ?„ He said he had not the least doubt of 
it. "Well, I will break that decree," said I, turning 
my horse. "0," said he, "God has decreed that you 
should go no farther." "Then I will break that 
decree," said I, giving my horse another turn. I 
now told him that my actions did not depend on 
God's decrees, as much as his decrees depend on my 
actions— not that God, or his sovereign purposes, in 
any wise, depend on his creatures, only that in form- 
ing decrees respecting us individually, the divine 
prescience does take our dispositions and conduct into 
the account. Looking up to me he said, " Are you 
not a Methodist preacher?" I answered in the affirm- 
ative, adding that I delighted in my vocation. 

I relate this to show that whenever we approached 
persons on the subject of religion, we were met by 
the old stereotyped dogma of fatalism, that God fore- 
ordained whatsoever cometh to pass. This formed 
the rampart behind which the formal professor, the 
moral sinner, the vile transgressor, the ranting Deist, 
and the brawling Universalist, w T ould each fortify 
himself for the purpose of warding off the heavy blows 

of Gospel truth. And how r many souls have perished 

11 



122 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

in the quicksands of this monstrous error, can only 
be disclosed by unrolling the record of eternity ! Just 
look at it. A man is convinced of sin, his soul 
mourns within him because of the wickedness of his 
life ; from the depth of a contrite heart he exclaims, 
" 0, wretched man that I am ! Who shall deliver me 
from the body of this death?" How chilling to the 
best feeling of his soul to be told that God foreor- 
dained whatsoever cometh to pass ! How blasphe- 
mous to assure him that his sins and sorrows alike 
originated in the counsels of heaven ! And how 
dreadful, how cruel to inform him that God decreed 
the positive, unconditional salvation of a definite 
number for whom the Savior died, and foreordained 
all the others to everlasting death ! Under such 
teaching, how soon the temptation will arise that he 
is one of the reprobates ! He will then begin to rea- 
son, " The Redeemer is not mine — is not any thing 
to me which he is not to the inhabitants of the world 
of despair. I am no more indebted to him — have no 
more right to sing redeeming love, than millions of 
damned spirits !" Thus the black waves of despair 
overwhelm his anxious soul, till, if reason be not 
driven from her throne, he drowns his convictions by 
plunging into dissipation. Numerous instances of 
just such fatal reasoning from the premises of this 
wonderful system, have actually occurred. 

Toward the close of the year, brother Cowl ex- 
pressed a desire that the appointing powers would 
send him to the hardest field of labor in the con- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 123 

ference. Said he, " I am a young man — my health 
is good — I am able to travel any circuit, and I want 
the hardest they have." This was the right spirit: 
it was no vaunt, put forth for effect ; it was the 
spirit of the man ; and he was accommodated — but 
rejoiced to labor and suffer in the cause of his Master. 
He humorously said there should be an exception in 
the rule in my behalf — that this was my fourth year 
on the circuit, and the people said they were just 
becoming acquainted with me. It is, perhaps, true 
that it required four years on those large circuits, 
to form as thorough acquaintance as preachers and 
people now form with each other in two years. 



124 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER IX. 

POWNAL CIRCUIT— TWO YEARS. 

In May, 1818, I was appointed to the Pownal 
circuit, with brother J. Hall for my colleague, who 
was a pretty fine young man. This circuit extended 
into three states ; namely, Massachusetts, New York, 
and Vermont. 

We lived in Hoosack, at which place were several 
worthy families — the Millimans, Barnums, and others. 
Thomas Milliman had built a house for the use of the 
preachers, with wood-house, barn, etc., and made a 
practice yearly of putting a load of hay in the barn, 
and pasturing the preacher's cow gratuitously. It 
is refreshing to record such noble acts of generosity. 
Other friends were kind and liberal. Our situation 
now was perhaps more agreeable than in any for- 
mer year. We were surrounded with choice friends, 
had a good meeting-house, good neighborhood, and 
a pleasant section of country in which to travel ; 
hence we soon felt quite at home. 

One of our appointments was in Petersburg, where 
I was reared and converted. My father was still 
living, and having spoken of his opposition to Meth- 
odism, it may not be out of place to speak farther 
of him here. As he continued to attend the Moth- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 125 

odist meetings, his prejudices wore away, and he 
frequently remained with the members for class meet- 
ing — an exercise of which he soon became fond ; so 
one day at the close of class meeting, the preacher 
in charge — the lamented brother Arnold — addressed 
the members thus : " Old brother Lewis seems to 
like our class meetings pretty well, so I think, breth- 
ren, I will put his name on the class-book," and 
turning to him, said, " I suppose you have no objec- 
tion, Deacon Lewis ?" The old gentleman smiled 
and gave his consent. I now found him a class- 
leader on my circuit, in which office he continued 
fourteen or sixteen years? and died — permit me to 
say it — enjoying the confidence and esteem of a large 
circle of acquaintances, having lived in peace with 
his neighbors to the age of seventy-four or seventy- 
five years. He became a Methodist not only in 
name, but in reality, embracing the doctrines and 
discipline of the Church most cordially. My rela- 
tives, and other friends who had known me from 
childhood, received me kindly, and, perhaps through 
some curiosity, flocked out to my appointments. Our 
society in the place was good. Among the member- 
ship were four of my brothers, the oldest a local 
preacher. He had naturally a good mind, and was 
disposed to combat error wherever he found it. He 
had an appointment in North Adams, met with con- 
siderable opposition, but continued to expose the 
absurdities of particular election and reprobation, 
and to preach Christ crucified, till the Spirit of 



126 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

God descended upon the people; then sinners were 
awakened and converted, and a good society was 
organized in the place. Wherever the doctrine of 
free grace is faithfully preached, whether by men 
of much or little learning, the ungodly will be cut 
to the heart and tremblingly inquire, " What must 
we do to be saved?" 0, that God would raise up 
men full of faith and the Holy Ghost, and thrust 
them out into the field now white to the harvest ! 
And I pray God to give me a fresh baptism of the 
Spirit, that, whether able to labor or not, I may 
feel the worth of souls lying near my heart. 

In Pownal we" had probably the oldest society on 
the circuit, and in it were some excellent members, 
but they had neglected to build a church, on which 
account we labored under great disadvantage. The 
opposition from other denominations was strong ; 
yet, in the midst of surrounding difficulties, we found 
some prosperity, but nothing like what we might have 
expected in a comfortable house of worship. 

We made several appointments in Williamstown, 
and, as usual, provoked the opposition of the " stand- 
ing order." This was in Massachusetts, where the 
law required every man to pay a tax to the Presbyte- 
rians, unless he made affidavit that he attended divine 
service and paid for the support of the Gospel in 
some other denomination. He must procure a certifi- 
cate to that effect from the preacher, and take it to 
the town clerk and have it recorded. This law was 
oppressive, and in direct contravention of that relig- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 127 

ious freedom which has always been the boast of the 
American people. But oppressive as it was, it was 
mild in comparison with what it was a few years 
prior to the time of which I write. Then no such 
certificate would be of any avail. Every man must 
pay to support Presbyterians, though he might belong 
to the Methodist, or some other evangelical Church, 
and in his heart detest the absurd tenets of the "five- 
points/' On one of my visits to this place, a friend 
who, though brought up a Baptist, always attended 
our meetings, invited me home with him, when, in the 
course of friendly conversation, some remarks were 
dropped which bore against the peculiar notions pro- 
mulgated by the great, and, as I trust, good John 

Calvin; whereupon Mr. E said to me, "Mr, 

Lewis, I heard you preach good Calvinism the other 
night." "Well," said I, "if you will convince me of 
that, I will make my confession when I come round 
again." "Well," said he, "you preached the doc- 
trine of depravity as strongly as any Calvinist I ever 
heard!" This indicates the view others took of our 
theology. They labored to confound it with the Socin- 
ian Unitarianism that overran New England prior to 
the introduction of Methodism. They might have 
known better, it is true, but none are so blind as those 
who will not see. I informed him that we always 
preached depravity, but that we do not leave the sin- 
ner in his ruined condition without remedy ; that after 
portraying his real state, we offer him the atonement 
and helps of divine grace flowing therefrom, so that 



128 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the responsibility of life and death rests upon the sin- 
ner, and not upon the Savior ; and assured him that 
herein is where we differ from Calvinism, and not in 
the doctrine of depravity. 

My friend then introduced the subject of baptism. 
Said he, " Mr. Lewis, if you will give me one precept 
or example — I will only ask one — for baptism by 
pouring or sprinkling in the days of the apostles, I 
will yield the point and never argue on the subject 

again. " Said I, "Mr. F , if you will give me one 

precept or example — I will only ask one — -for bap- 
tism by immersion in the days of the apostles, I will 
yield the point and never argue on the subject again.' ' 
I took occasion to remark, further, that we were on 
an equality so far as the proofs of the mode of bap- 
tism, by positive precept or example, are concerned, 
the facts in the case being these : " From certain 
facts and circumstances named in the Scriptures, the 
Baptists infer that the ordinance was administered by 
immersion; and from these same facts and circum- 
stances, we infer that it was administered by pouring 
or sprinkling/ • This narrowing down of the issue to 
its proper limits is always unfavorable to the hypoth- 
esis of exclusive immersion. 

Mr. F was a sincere friend, notwithstanding 

his peculiar notions of doctrine. He had been trained 
up in them, and all his religious feelings were asso- 
ciated with his early training. The views instilled 
into the mind in youth, are always retained with won- 
derful tenacity. Early prejudices exert a powerful 



A SUPERANNUATE. 129 

influence over the mind in after life, often consti- 
tuting a formidable barrier in the way of advance- 
ment in the knowledge of the truth, and a fearful 
obstacle to progress in the experience of the Chris- 
tian life. How important, then, that the first religious 
instruction of children be strictly evangelical ! 

I do not know that I missed an appointment during 
the year. I had some hard rides — was often much 
exhausted in body, had some trials of mind, but was 
always cheered with friendly sympathy, and was per- 
mitted to wind up my labor pleasantly, thankful to 
God who sustained me through the eleventh year of 
my itinerant life. And now the season was come for 
the annual greetings of brethren beloved, whose 
hearts beat in unison, and whose mutual attachments 
were warm, cordial, and lasting. No men know 
better how to give an affectionate, whole-souled shake 
of the hand, expressive of unalloyed friendship, than 
itinerant Methodist preachers, returning, after a 
year's toil, suffering, and triumph, to mingle together 
in the session of conference. 

In May, 1819, our conference sat again in the city 
of New York. Going to conference then was differ- 
ent from what it is now. Those of us who trav- 
eled north, rode from one to three hundred miles on 
horseback, which brought us within fifteen or twenty 
miles of Troy ; here we left our horses with kind 
friends, who took care of them, and conveyed us to 
Troy in wagons; then we took stage to Albany, 
where we clubbed together to secure a cheap passage 



130 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

on a sloop. This cost $5, if boarded, and $2 if we 
boarded ourselves. We chose to supply ourselves with 
bread, butter, tea, sugar, crackers, etc., and thus sail 
for New York, boarding ourselves. " But why detail 
all this?" Simply to remind you, dear reader, that 
our manner of traveling to conference then was quite 
different from the commodious methods now enjoyed. 
The change is great, yea, glorious, and I thank God 
for it. 

I was returned to Pownal circuit. This suited 
myself and family well. Brother N. Levings was 
my colleague. This was perhaps his second year on 
trial in the traveling connection. He was a most 
amiable, lovely young man, of strong mind, deep 
piety, studious, and industrious. He commanded 
respect wherever he went ; and my opinion is that 
he prepared more new subjects for the pulpit than 
any man with whom I have been associated in the 
work. He was to be depended on at home or 
abroad, by night or by day — at all times and in 
all places. In the course of the year, he became 
deeply impressed with the necessity of a clean 
heart — entire sanctification. For this he sought with 
all the ardor of his soul, and was enabled to embrace 
and realize the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel 
of Christ. After this, he appeared to move heaven 
and earth in his religious exercises, and I doubt not 
that he retained the enjoyment of perfect love to 
his dying hour. The reader will recollect that he 
died a few years ago, in the city of Cincinnati, in 



A SUPERANNUATE. 131 

the full prospect of heaven, esteemed and regretted 
by the whole Church. May we follow his example, 
as a disciple of the meek and lowly Savior, and 
then, like him, die in full triumph of faith ! 

We were soon at our work, and found my old 
friends still at their posts, contending for spiritual, 
heart-purifying religion. The Rev. D. Ostrander 
was our presiding elder this year. I had formerly 
traveled under the Revs. S. Draper and W. Anson. 
The former died near forty years ago, and it is 
probable the latter has gone to his long home before 
this. Our first quarterly meeting was held in Adams's 
Nock, Massachusetts. This was the first time brother 
D. Ostrander preached in that region. He was a 
good man, a sound theologian, and reasoned most 
conclusively — was rather slow in his commencement, 
but wound up in triumph. He would, as was once 
said of the Rev. Samuel Coate, when deeply engaged, 
stroke back his hair and preach so as to fairly make 
his hearers see heaven, and smell the odor of the 
burning pit. Lord give us more such men, whether 
they come fresh from the college or the field! We 
want men of faith and prayer, with the unction of 
the Holy One resting upon them, whose preaching, 
like Paul's, shall not be with enticing words of man's 
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power, 
that the faith of the hearers may stand not in the 
wisdom of men. but in the power of God. 

Hitherto I have said but little of my presiding 
elders. This has been from no lack of esteem for the 



132 EECOL LECTIONS OF 

office, or for the men who filled it ; but simply be- 
cause my limits would only permit a passing remark, 
in which the character and zeal of those laborious 
ministers of Christ could not be worthily exhibited. 
It would be a far pleasanter task to delineate the 
character, and detail the work of my presiding elders, 
were I in possession of the necessary material, than 
to write of myself; but in sketching these recol- 
lections of my personal experience, I have felt it 
necessary to avoid extended notices of others. My 
presiding elders have all been dear to me, without 
exception, and we have been sweetly united in the 
Gospel yoke ; and I thank God that we still have such 
an office in the Church. I never desired any change 
in our Discipline on this subject. During the long 
and heated controversy connected with the Radical 
secession, not one of the proposed " reforms ' 
seemed to my mind to promise any improvement. 
My motto in relation to this point has been, "Let 
well enough alone !" True, our circuits are cut 
down very small, and this could not be avoided. 
The circumstances of the people demanded it — but 
this is not a sufficient reason for changing our 
economy. There is as much ability on these small 
circuits now to meet the expenses, as there was on 
the large circuits of forty years ago. My heart 
rejoices to find our pastoral charges so compact as 
they are ; those little fields may be cultivated well ; 
and every true-hearted minister will find enough to 
do in them. Often, while traveling the large circuits 



A SUPERANNUATE. 133 

of former years, was my physical frame so fatigued 
that it seemed I must fall from my horse ; and I am 
truly glad that our young men do not find it neces- 
sary to ride twenty-three miles before breakfast in 
order to reach their appointments. The change is 
grateful to every feeling of my heart. But our 
system is a " wheel within awheel." Like in the 
clock, where every wheel is necessary to keep the 
correct time, all the parts of our well-adjusted itiner- 
ant plan are dependent on each other ; and to remove 
the presiding eldership would leave the whole system 
of machinery in confusion. Instead of modifying 
the rules of the Church, so as to rid the people of 
paying the presiding elder, let each pastor cultivate 
more thoroughly the ground he occupies, especially 
in the way of pastoral visiting, and there will be no 
difficulty in supporting our whole system. Let our 
young men in particular seek a new baptism of the 
Holy Spirit, and devote themselves anew to this 
work, and they will contribute much more to the 
peace, harmony, and permanent well-being of the 
Church as it is, than they can possibly do by in- 
troducing innovations upon her time-honored and 
heaven-sanctioned usages. 

But to return from this digression. The quarterly 
meeting mentioned was an excellent one — not that 
many were converted, but the Church was quickened 
and strengthened ; and an impetus was given to the 
work which proved of lasting benefit to the cause of 
religion. New life was imparted to the membership, 



134 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

* 
who went out to different parts of the circuit ani- 
mated with fresh zeal for the glory of God, and for 
the salvation of souls. 

I stopped on one of my rounds to attend a funeral 

service, and heard the Rev. Mr. ,G- preach from 

Job xiv, 10 : " But man dieth, and wasteth away : 
yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" 
This was, in some respects, an extraordinary ser- 
mon. The preacher said, "We are dying, and all 
must die ; you have the evidence before you that man 
dieth. Now, you can never be happy without salva- 
tion ; and you can never have salvation, unless you 
comply with the terms of salvation. These terms are, 
repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus 
Christ. You ought to repent and believe now, be- 
cause, first, 'man dieth/ You ought to repent and be- 
lieve now, because, secondly, God commands it. You 
ought to repent and believe now, because, thirdly, 
you can not do it till God gives you a new heart. 
Now, why will you delay ? I beseech you to repent 
and believe now, for I tell you that you never can till 
God gives you a new heart. In evidence of this, 
think how many in this place, last winter, when God 
was pouring out his Spirit, tried to repent and could 
not. Then why will you neglect to repent ? for .1 tell 
you that you never can repent till God gives you a 
new heart !" For half an hour he kept urging his 
hearers to repent, and the great reason assigned was, 
"You never can till God gives you a new heart.' ' 
After preaching, he passed round shaking hands with 



A SUPERANNUATE. 135 

the friends, and when he came to me, we took each 
other by the hand, and after some conversation, I 
whispered to him, " You told us we should repent 
now, because we never can till God gives us a new 
heart !" Turning round, so as to face the congrega- 
tion, he said in an audible voice, "I presume my con- 
gregation understood me." I replied that perhaps 
they did, and that I thought I likewise understood 
him; for I always suppose a man to mean w T hat he 
says, unless he makes a slip of the tongue, which is 
pardonable in any one. Said he, "I presume my con- 
gregation understand the difference between natural 
ability and moral ability." I answered that they 
probably did, and that I thought I also did. Then I 
proceeded to address him as follows: " Now, Mr. 

G , you have told us, to-day, how awfully bad you 

feel when you hear people talk about going to heaven 
by their own works. I wish to say to you that I abhor 
such a sentiment just as much as you do yourself; 
but whose doctrine is it that sends men to heaven by 
their own works, yours or mine ? You say men have 
a natural ability — let them, then, exercise that natural 
ability, and go to heaven without any thanks to grace ! 
What ! men possess natural ability to perform the 
moral duties they owe to God ? Every principle of 
philosophy stands opposed to it. If that position be 
correct, then the exercise of natural ability will pro- 
duce a supernatural effect, and secure a supernatural 
result ; then the effect is superior to the cause, the 
stream rises higher than the fountain ! But we say our 



136 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

6 ability' is not natural, but gracious; and the im- 
provement of a gracious ability produces a gracious 
result; and thus we expect heaven by grace, and not 

by works." " Well," said Mr. G , " that's as good 

Arminianism as I have heard in a long time. But 
what is it that constitutes this gracious ability of 
which you speak?" "The quickening grace of God, 
sir, which affects every sinner's heart. Jesus Christ is 
the true light which lighteth every man that cometh 
into the world; the grace of God that bringeth salva- 
tion hath appeared unto all men; and a manifestation 
of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." 

" Well, I do not know but it may be so," said G , 

"but none of the authors I have read view it in that 
light," "I do not know what authors you have read," 
said I, " but the Bible teaches the doctrine I have 
laid down." 

Just then, an old gentleman stepped up, and, laying 
his hand on my shoulder, said, "Young man, you are 
on bad ground, and had better give it up." Said I, 
"You are a man of years, and ought to know." 
"Yes," said he, "I am an old man, and I tell you 
that you are on very bad ground." I told him I was 
willing every one should think for himself. "Yes," 
said he^ "but do have them think right." "That's 
the very reason I make my plea, that men may think 
right," said I. The old gentleman, as if abandoning 
me as a hopeless reprobate, turned round, and, with 
cane in hand, moved for the door. I was urged to 
stay and preach, but it was too late in the day. 



A SUPERANNUATE, 137 

When I came round, in four weeks, a sister to the 
deceased brother was dead, and the friends desired 
me to preach the funeral sermon. This I did in the 
same house, and to many of the same hearers that 
were present on the former occasion. My text was 
John xii, 35 : " Yet a little while is the light with 
you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness 
come upon you." 

The following method was pursued : 

I. The privilege enjoyed: "The light is with you." 

II. The duty enjoined: "Walk while you have 
the light/' 

III. The consequence of neglect: "Darkness Com- 
eth upon you." 

Many in that place, afterward, professed to view 
the economy of grace differently from what they had 
done before. These incidental conversations, on doc- 
trinal points, often led to inquiry, and resulted in 
removing the film of prejudice from many eyes. 

The Rev. Mr. D now came into this neighbor- 
hood and commenced preaching, and manifested an 
intense desire to enlighten me in regard to baptism. 
When I filled my regular appointment, he was in the 
congregation. After service I was introduced to him, 
and, in less than three minutes, he introduced his 
favorite theme. I waived the subject then, and in a 
few days he met me on the street and introduced it 
again. At my next round, he was out to hear me, 
and was soon upon his old hobby. He requested me 

to visit him at his house — said he had some passages 

12 



138 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

in Church history he wished to read to me. I made 
him a call, and he was soon at work. He read of some 
abuses of baptism that occurred in the Church at an 
early period — that under certain circumstances lay 
members were permitted to administer it to infants. 

I replied, " If the abuse of an ordinance destroys 
its validity, you should reject the sacrament of the 
Lord's supper, for it was grossly abused in the days 
of St. Paul, when the Corinthians ate and drank 
till they were gluttonous and drunken. Now, why 
not reject that ordinance because of the abuses to 
which it has been subjected? If the abuses of infant 
baptism constitute a valid objection against the ordi- 
nance, the same objection hoids good against the sac- 
rament of the Lord's supper. Now, be consistent. ,, 
Said he, "We have to go to Church history because 
others do, but the Bible is the only rule of faith ; now 
give me one passage from the New Testament in 
favor of the baptism of infants." "Lydia and her 
household were baptized," I remarked. Said he, 
" Lydia was a lady of Thyatira, a seller of purple, 
and her household consisted of herself and some 
young ladies she had employed to assist her in 
business, and there were no infants among them." 
"Well then, sir," said I, "if these young ladies 
could be baptized on the faith of Lydia, as being in 
her employ, certainly children may be baptized on the 
faith of their parents ; and we have no evidence that 
one of Lydia's household had faith except herself." 

We had prayer together and parted ; but in a 



A SUPERANNUATE. 139 

subsequent interview, Mr. D said he did not 

know that there was one Presbyterian, or one Meth- 
odist, or one Episcopalian in heaven, but he did 
know that there w r as one Baptist there. My reply 
was, " Baptist means baptizer, or one who baptizes, 
and if there is one who baptizes in heaven, he cer- 
tainly must do it right ; and I suggest that the next 
trip you make to that country, you ask the old Bap- 
tist what mode he employs, and then give it to us 
direct from him. This will be perfectly satisfactory 
to me ; but it may not be to some others ; for I once 
heard a minister assert that he would not believe 
that infants were proper subjects for baptism, if an 
angel should come down from heaven and declare 
that they were/' 

This play upon the word "Baptist,"' is a favorite 
employment with our immersionist friends. Some 
years ago, a grave divine approached a young 

student of divinity — now the Rev. Dr. C , of 

G , Ohio — and said, " Remember, Mr. C , 

you never read in the Scriptures about John the 
Presbyterian, or John the Methodist, or John the 
Episcopalian, but you do read of John the Baptist." 

About the same time, the Rev. Mr. S came 

along and preached a sermon from, "Ye must be 
born again." He treated his subject evangelically 
for some time, and then affirmed that " we are under 
obligation to do that which we can not do." Said 
he, " I will give you a simile : Suppose a father 
directs his son to take a pitcher and bring it full 



140 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

of water. The son goes, but breaks the bottom out 
of the pitcher. Is he not still under obligation to 
bring the water — to do that which he can not do?" 
He appealed to the prophet who said, " Ye have 
hewn out to yourselves cisterns — broken cisterns 
that can hold no water," and claimed to have proved 
triumphantly that " we are under obligation to do 
what we can not do." After the sermon, a person ac- 
costed me, wishing to know my opinion on that point. 
I remarked, " If you will allow it, I will make use 
of the same illustration : If God said to Adam, take 
the pitcher and get it full of water, and he broke 
the bottom out, Jesus Christ came and put the bottom 
in again, and now we are required to get water, 
not in the broken vessel, but in the mended pitcher ; 
so that we are not under obligation to do what we 
can not do, notwithstanding our total depravity. 
For, depraved as we are, we have an interest in 
the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which secures 
to us the helps of Divine grace, and capacitates us 
to do all the Gospel requires of us in order to sal- 
vation. Hence, if we are not saved, the fault is not 
in Adam, not in Christ, not in God, but in ourselves 
alone. God is sincere when he says he is not willing 
that any should perish, and that he has no pleasure 
in the death of the wicked." 

"But why record these familiar conversations?" 
Simply because I deem them calculated to give to 
a large class of readers a clearer idea of the real 
points in dispute between Methodists and others, than 



A SUPERANNUATE. 141 

they would obtain from the more formal statements 
and learned arguments of systematic theological 
"writers; and also for the purpose of illustrating 
the fact that we had to contend for every inch of 
ground we obtained. From the dignified clergyman, 
the sober deacon, the loquacious squire, and the 
" learned " pedagogue, we met with vehement oppo- 
sition. Preachers of other denominations labored 
assiduously to make the people believe our doctrines 
were anti-scriptural and pernicious. Hence, we often 
found it necessary to vindicate our positions from 
the misconceptions, misrepresentations, and perver- 
sions of others, both in public and in private. These 
incidents show the kind of arguments brought against 
us, and to what depths of absurdity men will plunge, 
and with what unaccountable tenacity they will 
cling to an exploded subterfuge, rather than yield 
a favorite dogma. 

We held a camp meeting, this year, near to our 
own residence. We built a tent, and the whole 
family went upon the ground. Here we labored and 
pleaded for the conversion of our children, and of 
our neighbors' children. We enjoyed some gracious 
influence, but not to the extent we had on other 
occasions. The Church was much blessed, and some 
souls were converted. We returned home, and that 
night had a prayer meeting. Now the power of God 
came down upon us like the rushing of a mighty 
wind ; sinners were cut to the heart and cried out, 
"Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Among 



142 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the number was my own son, a boy of eleven years, 
lie bowed at the altar of prayer, and while I was 
pleading in his behalf, in the name of Jesus, God in 
mercy smiled, took his feet out of the miry clay, 
set them upon a rock, and put a new song into his 
mouth, even praise to God and the Lamb ! Once 
more I say, thank God for camp meetings!* This 
son — Calvin Wesley — afterward became a preacher ; 
and while on the Jacksonville circuit, Illinois con- 
ference, he passed away from earth. Some eight 
or ten ministers, of different denominations, have 
since told me that his was the most triumphant death 
they ever witnessed. Thy will, God, be done ! 

"0 may I triumph so, 

When all my warfare's past ,* 
And, dying, find my latest foe 
Under my feet at last." 

Sometimes, when camp meetings close without 
many conversions or accessions to the Church on 
the ground, the fruit will be seen after many days. 
It was so here. Many souls were subsequently 
gathered into the fold, as the result of this camp 
meeting effort, and the Church was built up and 
made strong in the Lord. God's name be praised ! 
The remembrance of those days makes my heart 

* He subsequently fell into a lukewarm or backslidden state, from 
which he was reclaimed in a remarkable manner. After he commenced 
preaching, he usually, in relating his experience, began at the period of 
his reclamation. Those who have heard him will hereby understand the 
cause of any discrepancy between the above statement of his conversion, 
and his experience as related by himself. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 143 

glad. God was with me then, and he still permits 
me to feel that I have a home in heaven. There 
all the ship's company shall meet, freed from the 
imperfections of this mortal state. 

"No slightest touch of pain, 

Nor sorrow's least alloy, 
Can violate our rest, or stain 

Our purity of joy : 
In that eternal day, 

No clouds or tempests rise ; 
There gushing tears are wiped away 

Forever from our eyes." 

Time rolled on and brought another year's labor 
to a close. During this second year, the people 
generally, by their hospitality, kindness, and un- 
dissenibled friendship, endeared themselves to my 
heart in such a manner as to cause me then to feel 
that I should never forget them; and now I find 
real delight in thinking of them, and of the many 
happy seasons we enjoyed together on Pownal cir- 
cuit. We may meet no more on earth, but — 

"E'en now, by faith, we join our hands 
With those that went before ; 
And greet the blood-besprinkled bands 
On the eternal shore." 



144 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER X. 

CAMBRIDGE C IRCUIT— F I RS T YEAR. 

From the conference of 1820, my appointment was 
to Cambridge circuit, which gave us a move of only 
about twelve miles. Here we found a fine little house 
built for the accommodation of the preacher's family, 
but there was no barn* I drew up a subscription 
paper and circulated it, telling the people I would 
pay half as much as any one for the purpose of build- 
ing a barn, and, with this proposition acting as a 
stimulus, the necessary sum was procured, and the 
barn and carriage-house soon erected and occupied. 

This was a delightful section of country, and a 
warm-hearted, Christian people. Many of the mem- 
bers were from Ireland, among whom was father Ba- 
ker, who had heard Mr. Wesley preach. These Irish 
brethren received me with great cordiality, while 
those born in America were not behind them in the 
warmth of their friendly greetings. In a word, the 
membership welcomed me to the circuit in such a 
manner as to make me feel that, though among 
strangers, I was surrounded with friends and breth- 
ren in Christ. The following remark in reference to 
this circuit, was made by Bishop Hedding, and is 
found in Dr. Clark's "Life and Times" of that excel- 






A SUPERANNUATE. 145 

lent man: "If we were wanting proof that Meth- 
odism is the child of God, and that it has received the 
fostering care of the great Head of the Church, we 
need look no farther for a confirmation of these facts 
than to its rise and progress within the bounds of 
what was formerly Cambridge circuit. The state of 
the Church in all this region in 1801, with its two 
meeting-houses, scattered population, and scanty mem- 
bership, forms a striking contrast with the state of 
the Methodist Church here in 1849. Thriving villages 
have sprung up in the place of the lowly farm-house ; 
stately houses instead of lowly dwellings where we 
used to congregate ; the ' tens ' of God's worshipers 
have been multplied into 'thousands;' so that we 
can but exclaim of a truth, i The wilderness and soli- 
tary place has been made glad, the desert has rejoiced 
and blossomed as the rose !'" 

The Bishop contrasts the state of the Church in 
1801, with what it was in 1849. My period of labor 
there, beginning in 1820, transpired between those 
two points ; and I presume the changes which have 
occurred in that region since my day there, are fully 
equal to those which occurred between 1801, and the 
time of my commencement on the circuit. It will be 
perceived, therefore, that it was not strictly pioneer 
work when I was there, nor had Methodism attained 
any thing like the maturity, the position, and influ- 
ence which it now has. 

Father Baker, above alluded to, had been class- 
leader for perhaps forty years, in Ireland and 

13 



146 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

America, and was truly an " old-fashioned Meth- 
odist." He possessed a strong mind, was deeply 
pious, and the society looked up to him for counsel, 
as to a father. As a leader, he was somewhat strict — 
insisting that Methodists ought to live by rule, both 
in respect to worshiping God and sustaining the 
Church. Take a specimen : One day, at the close of 
class meeting, he said, " Now, brethren, we will at- 
tend to our quarterly collection. Brother N j 

come forward and call the list of names. " Brother 

N called over the list of names, as they stood on 

the class-book, and the members came forward as 
their names were called, and laid the money on the 
table, and the amount each one paid was credited 
opposite his or her name. Some who were not able 
to be present, knowing it to be collection-day, sent in 
their contributions by others, that they might not be 
delinquent. That class was rightly trained, and 
every thing went on like clock-work. There were 
no deficiencies there! This old brother collected quar- 
terage on the right plan, at the proper time, and with 
the least possible trouble. 

My colleague — D. J. Wright — and myself went 
immediately to our work, and, on the first round, my 
mind was assailed with the temptation that I was 
never called to preach — which temptation pursued me, 
day and night, for six weeks. During this period, I 
could find no comfort except in the act of preaching, 
and, even then, the impression would sometimes be- 
come so strong as to drive away the train of thought 



A SUPERANNUATE. 147 

I desired to dwell upon. The experience was painful, 
but it led me to inquire, carefully, as to the design of 
Providence in permitting it, and to review, minutely, 
my past experience. 

Some twelve or fifteen years prior to this, I thought 
I experienced the blessing of perfect love ; but now I 
doubted, and the more I examined the subject the 
more I doubted, till my mind became satisfied that I 
did not enjoy that great blessing. With this conclu- 
sion came a deep conviction of my need of holiness. 
Past experience and present attainments were all in- 
sufficient. Nothing was now so desirable as the image 
of God. An earnest struggle for full redemption, in 
the blood of the Lamb, ensued. This was, in some 
respects, the most interesting period of my life. God 
was leading me by a way that I knew not, and con- 
ducting my soul to richer feasts and purer delights 
than I could possibly have anticipated. It was like 
the yielding of winter's dreary reign, before the 
balmy breath of opening spring. " Eye hath not 
seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the 
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared 
for them that love him. But God hath revealed them 
unto us by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all 
things, yea, the deep things of God." 

I was under conviction ; but this w T as as different 
from my first conviction of sin and need of pardon 
as light from darkness. That was accompanied by 
a consciousness of guilt and condemnation — a dread 
of divine wrath and fear of hell ; but this was accom- 



148 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

panied by the most pleasing train of thought that 
could enter the mind : it was a simple discovery of 
holiness as an experience desirable in itself. It 
was a clear apprehension of the blessedness arising 
from an all-pervading faith and zeal for the glory 
of God, delivering my soul from backwardness of 
duty ; the discovery of the nearer approach to God 
as a privilege secured permanently through the blood 
of the everlasting covenant. My mind was impressed 
that the more I was made like God, the more pleas- 
ing I should be to him, the more useful in the Church 
and in the world, as well as the more happy in my 
own soul. 

About this time, a pamphlet on sanctification fell 
into my hands, which assisted me not a little. In 
perusing it, I was instructed and encouraged to seek, 
expecting to find this high and holy experience. On 
Tuesdays and Fridays I fasted till three o'clock in 
the afternoon, bending all the energy of my soul to 
the work of seeking a clean heart, often quoting the 
poet — 

" With me, I know, I feel, thou art ; 

But this can not suffice, 
Unless thou plantest in my heart 

A constant paradise. 
My earth thou wat'rest from on high, 

But make it all a pool : 
Spring up, Well, I ever cry: 

Spring up within my soul. ,, 

"My earth thou wat'rest!" I felt it so; but this 
did not meet the urgent want of my soul. Small 



A SUPERANNUATE. 149 

rivulets in the desert refresh the weary traveler, and 
fertilize the little margin along their courses, but 
do not render the whole land fruitful, causing it to 
rejoice and blossom as the rose. Thus my heart 
was kept alive, but not filled to overflowing with the 
living water, and my cry was, " make it all a 
pool !" I wished to plunge beneath the purple flood, 
and be made every whit whole. My enjoyments 
were increasing; I was approaching nearer and still 
nearer the Divine likeness, but felt that the end of 
Christ's death for me was not yet attained; I was 
not filled with all the fullness of God. My most 
absorbing desire was to die unto sin, and live unto 
righteousness. As the hart panteth after the cooling 
water-brook, so panted my soul after the living God. 
But in vain would I attempt to describe the longing 
of my soul for the mind that was in Christ Jesus my 
Lord. Fully did I realize the sentiment of the 
poet — 

u O'erwhelmed with thy stupendous grace, 

I shall not in thy presence more; 
But breathe unutterable praise, 

And rapt'rous awe, and silent love. 
Then every murm'ring thought, and vain, 

Expires, in sweet confusion lost : 
I can not of my cross complain — 

I can not of my goodness boast. 
Pardon'd for all that I have done, 

My mouth as in the dust I hide ; 
And glory give to God alone — 

My God in Jesus pacified." 

In the strength of grace, I purposed to be satisfied 
with nothing short of entire consecration to God. 



150 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

At home or abroad, in the sanctuary or by the way- 
side, in public or private, the aspirations of my heart 
went up to heaven, often embodied in lines like 
these : 

"Suffer'd no more to rove 
O'er all the earth abroad, 
Arrest the pris'ner of thy love, 
And shut me up in God." 

Then would follow ejaculations such as the follow- 
ing : " Lord, thou knowest that I desire to be shut 
up in thee !" " I would be thine — wholly thine, lost 
and swallowed up in thee !" " Lord, arrest my 
wandering heart; settle and fix my wavering soul; 
make me daily the prisoner of thy love I" While 
drawn out in solemn, ardent prayer, I was favored 
with such power with God as I had never before 
experienced. 

For about four weeks, I continued seeking the 
priceless pearl — redemption from all sin — when I 
went to Fort Edward, and preached with much free- 
dom and spiritual comfort. Every breath was fraught 
with prayer to God for the fullness of his love, with- 
out which my anxious soul could not rest. After 
preaching, in company with others, I went home with 
a friend, and, though the brethren conversed freely, 
I said but little ; my mind was too deeply engaged in 
communion with my heavenly Father. We had family 
worship, the friends left, the family retired, leaving 
me alone to meditate and pray. I slept but little, 
that night — not that I had pain or guilt of mind — but, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 151 

0, the burning desire, to be made holy in heart and 
life ! Morning came — I rose from my bed — fell upon 
my knees and found my Savior near — more gloriously 
near than ever before ; yet the blessing, so ardently 
desired, was not realized. Breakfast being over, I 
started for Sandy Hill ; there I called at brother 
Clark's — went into a bedroom for secret devotion — 
fell upon my knees at the bedside, and poured forth 
my soul in prayer for a clean heart. I wrestled with 
God, Jacob-like — I say it with humility — and, while 
engaged in prayer, Satan tempted me, as he had 
often done before, with such thoughts as these : 
"Now you may as well give it up — there is no such 
blessing attainable — all that have professed it have 
been deceived — if there were any such blessing for 
you, it would certainly have been bestowed before this 
time — here you have been fasting and praying earn- 
estly for it these four long weeks, and, certainly, it 
can not be that so high a state in grace is attainable." 
But, then, the thought occurred to me ? " This is 
surely a temptation ;" so I resisted the subtile reason- 
ing of the adversary — giving it not a moment's lodg- 
ment in my mind, and continued the struggle for full 
salvation. Faith prevailed ! Suddenly the Holy 
Ghost descended, filling my soul with heavenly rap- 
ture. 0, the light, the peace, the melting joy which 
overpowered my heart ! I felt the saving power of 
the all-cleansing blood, and my whole frame was 
affected to trembling. Had I an angel's tongue, I 
could not be able to describe the blissful emotions 



152 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

that thrilled all my powers. Truly the words of my 
Savior were fulfilled, "If a man love me, he will 
keep my words : and my Father will love him, and we 
will come unto him, and make our abode with him." 
On leaving that room, I learned, to my astonishment, 
that half an hour had passed away. I could not have 
thought it over five or six minutes. In the fervor of 
my pleadings with God, and in the rich communings 
of my spirit with heaven, all consciousness of passing 
time was obliterated from my mind. 

Yes, I proclaim it with humility — my heart was 
made clean. This is no fiction. u God is love : and 
he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in 
him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may 
have boldness in the day of judgment : because as he 
is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love ; 
but perfect love casteth out fear : because fear hath 
torment. He that feareth, is not made perfect in love. 
We love him, because he first loved us." I was now 
better than ever prepared to do and suffer the will 
of God, for I knew something of what it was to be 
" filled with all the fullness of God ;" and I now say 
it to the praise of the glory of his grace, that, for 
years, without interruption, I could sing — 

H All praise to the Lamb ! accepted I am, 
Through faith in the Savior's adorable name : 
In him I confide, his blood is applied ; 
For me he hath suflfer'd, for me he hath died. 
Not a doubt doth arise, to darken the skies, 
Or hide, for a moment, my Lord from mine eyes: 
In him I am blest ; I lean on his breast, 
And, lo ! in his wounds I continue to rest." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 153 

Now, dear reader, think of this high privilege. 
Remember that an inspired apostle prayed for it 
in behalf of the whole Church — yea, that Christ 
himself prayed for it in behalf of all true believers 
of every age. Believe that thou art " not called 
unto un cleanness, but unto holiness ;" seek for it 
daily, purpose never to rest till thou art " saved 
indeed." Fill that glass with pure water, and it 
will contain nothing else without displacing some 
of the element which first filled it ; so when the 
heart is full of God, full of love and holiness, sin 
can not enter without excluding so much of the 
Divine presence : " For what fellowship hath right- 
eousness with unrighteousness ? and what commu- 
nion hath light with darkness ? and what concord 
hath Christ with Belial ?" But, having God filling 
the soul, thou mayest "walk by faith," " seeing 
him who is invisible," and keep thyself " unspotted 
from the world." What else is meant by " walking 
in the light as he is in the light," by having 
"fellowship with his Father and with his Son," 
and by having u the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse 
from all sin" — " from all unrighteousness?" Here 
I lift my heart and say, " I thank thee, Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these 
things from the wise and prudent, and hast re- 
vealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so 
it seemed good in thy sight." In order to receive 
these richer manifestations of the Father's love, 
we must become like little children — simple-hearted, 



154 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

confiding, wishing to be taught; for if we esteem 
ourselves " wise and prudent/' these things will 
remain " hid from our eyes." " And if our Gospel 
be hid, it is hid to them that are lost ; in whom 
the god of this world hath blinded the minds of 
them which believe not, lest the light of the glo- 
rious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, 
should shine unto them." But if we bow submis- 
sively at the feet of Jesus, and with strong faith 
appropriate the death and passion of the Son of 
God to our own hearts, grasping the atonement as 
the soul's only refuge, then Christ is made unto 
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, 
and redemption. Once more I say, dear reader, 
seek this high privilege ; make it thy one desire, 
aim and work to seek and find the u fullness of the 
blessing of the Gospel of Christ." Live — struggle — 
agonize for it as for thy life ! Then shalt thou 
not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord 
Jesus, but thou shalt " bring forth those fruits 
which show that thy roots are in the clefts of the 
rock, that thy leaves are refreshed by the dews 
of heaven, and that thou dost bask in the sheen 
of an unsetting and a blessed sunshine !" 

Shortly following this happy experience, I was 
called to pass through a sore affliction. While at a 
distant part of the circuit, in company with a good 
brother, making pastoral visits, a man from the 
neighborhood in which my family resided, was seen 
approaching, and, on seeing him, a vivid impression 



A SUPERANNUATE. 155 

seized my mind that something serious had occurred, 
demanding my presence at home. I expressed my 
apprehensions to the brother in company, remark- 
ing that, during my eleven years' itinerant life, my 
family had often been sick in my absence, but had 

never before sent for me. The man, brother F , 

came up and told me that my daughter was very 
sick, and it was thought best that he should come 
for me. It was now late in the evening ; we took 
some refreshment, and started in the night ; the 
burden of my prayer being that myself and family 
might profit by the affliction, however it might ter- 
minate. Thus we passed the lonely hours and 
tedious miles, till about the rising of the sun, when 
we came in sight of the house and discovered the 
beds lying out, by which we knew that my dear 
child was gone to her long home. Upon entering 
the house, I found it even so ; her lifeless remains 
were lying before me, cold, still, fast in the em- 
brace of death ! My wife, overcome with anguish, 
was lying on the bed ; I took her hand, pressed it, 
wept, but could not speak. Passing into another 
room, I sought relief in prayer. On the wings 
of faith my soul went up to God, pleading that 
the mysterious dispensation might be overruled to 
his glory and our good; and I heard the respon- 
sive whisperings of his Spirit, " Thy prayers are 
come up before God — thou shalt be delivered." My 
heart was full — " unutterably full of glory and of 
God/' Arising from my knees, I could but ex- 



156 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

claim, " Lord, it is enough !" While gazing on 
the loved form of our child, still beautiful in death, 
whose silvery tones and cheerful smile so often 
sent sunshine into our hearts, we could say as we 
never before had said — 

"Give joy or grief, give ease or pain, 
Take life or friends away; 
But let me find them all again 
In that eternal day." 

On Saturday morning, this daughter was in good 
health; in the evening she was attacked with dis- 
ease ; and on Sunday night, she sweetly sunk into 
the arms of Jesus, and passed away to join the 
swelling throng in the paradise of God. 

"The morning flowers display their sweets, 

And gay their silken leaves unfold, 
As careless of the noontide heats, 

As fearless of the evening cold. 
Nipp'd by the wind's untimely blast, 

Parch 'd by the sun's directer ray, 
The momentary glories waste, 

The short-lived beauties die away." 

This stroke of affliction fell heavily upon me. 
It then seemed to me that I should not have felt 
a deeper sense of bereavement, if every relative — 
save my companion — had been taken away : yet I 
was enabled to bow at the foot of the cross, and 
say from the heart, " Not my w^ill, but thine, 
God, be done. 5 ' But the doctrine of the resurrec- 
tion of the dead never appeared so precious to my 
soul as then. Without the blessed assurance that 



A SUPERANNUATE. 157 

even u this vile body shall be changed and fashioned 
like unto the glorious body of Christ," and live 
again in perpetual youth, the Christian system would 
be radically defective, in that it would fail to meet 
an irrepressible desire of the human mind. But, 
bless God ! our redemption is perfect. " He that 
raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken 
our mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in us." 

" Those bodies that corrupted fell 
Shall incorrupt arise, 
And mortal forms shall spring to life 
Immortal in the skies." 

The providence was dark, but heaven was kind; 
and, in reflecting on these words of our Savior, 
"What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt 
know hereafter," I felt that all was sanctified to 
our good. 

But to return to the work of God on the circuit. 
I filled my appointments in regular order, enjoyed 
the Divine presence, and saw the powers of darkness 
tremble ; for the word of truth, though not clothed in 
the tinseled garb of human rhetoric, nor spoken in 
enticing words of man's wisdom, was nevertheless 
owned of God, and made mighty through him to the 
pulling down of strongholds. And yet we did not 
have a large ingathering of souls. The revival was 
more within than without. Holiness of heart and 
life became a favorite theme for pulpit ministration, 
and there followed a general waking up on the sub- 
ject among the membership. Many sought the fuller 



158 RECOLLECTIONS OP 

baptism, and felt "the blood that cleanseth from all 
sin/' applied by faith. My own soul was richly 
watered, day by day. Praise the Lord ! I was per- 
mitted to enjoy communion with the Father, the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost. The triune God was enthroned 
in my heart, "bringing every thought into captivity 
to the obedience of Christ." "Where sin abounded, 
grace did much more abound." Once, sin had com- 
plete dominion in my soul; now, I felt, by sweet expe- 
rience, that the tyrant was expelled by the Spirit of 
God, and that all my quickened powers were under 
the reign of grace. 0, the depth of redeeming love ! 
All I had was upon the altar of consecration ; Christ 
was all and in all to me. Truly I could say, "Whom 
have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon 
earth that I desire besides thee!" I had often urged 
holiness upon my hearers as a Bible doctrine, but 
never till now could I pour it forth from the fountain 
of a full heart. 

But there were enemies to this doctrine then, as 
now. A friend remarked, one day, after meeting, 
"Brother Lewis professes more than St. Paul did." 
This remark was based on Philippians iii, 12: "Not as 
though I had already attained, either were already per- 
fect : but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that 
for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus." 
From this it is inferred that the apostle to the Gen- 
tiles repudiated the doctrine of evangelical holiness, 
or perfect love. But how terribly confused must be 
the mind that reasons thus ! St. Paul was speaking 



A SUPERANNUATE. 159 

of that perfection which belongs to the resurrection 
of the just. Unto that perfection he had not yet 
attained, of course; but he immediately acknowl- 
edged himself and others perfect in another sense, in 
these words: "Let us, therefore, as many as be per- 
fect, be thus minded." Christian perfection, attain- 
able in this life, is one thing; the perfection of "the 
spirits of just men made perfect," in the intermediate 
state, is another thing; and the perfection of glory, 
or that which belongs to the soul and body in the 
resurrection, is still another. But all these must be 
confounded in order to pour contempt upon a most 
precious truth, or heap odium on such as profess to 
"follow peace with all men, and holiness, without 
which no man shall see the Lord." The first, or 
Christian perfection, which Paul professed, and which 
numerous living saints enjoy, does not imply deliver- 
ance from the effects of sin, so as to restore the soul 
to freedom from error, and the body to exemption 
from death — but only that the reign of sin be de- 
stroyed, and the fruits of the Spirit brought forth to 
maturity. The second, or that which invests the soul 
upon its deliverance from the earthly tabernacle, does 
not include all the hights and depths of glory that 
pertain to the final state, but it implies freedom from 
the pains, foibles, and imperfections of body and mind, 
which are inseparable from this mortal state. These 
shall be thrown off — no more to mar the felicity, or 
interrupt the joy of the Spirit, in its communings 
with the fountain of life and purity. The third, 



160 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the perfection of glory, attained when the dead are 
raised incorruptible — the consummation of all our 
hopes, was the object of the apostle's earnest aspira- 
tion, when he " counted all things but loss," sacrificed 
honor, ease, and pleasure, "if by any means he might 
attain unto the resurrection of the dead." In this 
sense, he was "not yet perfect;" but, like a perfect 
Christian, he "pressed toward the mark for the prize 
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

We plead not for positive perfection in this life, 
but for relative ; not for absolutely sinless perfection, 
but for a perfection of "faith that works by love, and 
purifies the heart;" not for infallibility of judgment or 
action, but that the "blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
from all sin. ,, We do not expect, in this life, to love 
God with all the strength of unfallen Adam, nor with 
the fervor of sinless angels, nor yet with the inten- 
sity of translated Enoch or Elijah, nor even with 
the holy ardor of disembodied saints — but with all 
the powers of redeemed, sanctified sinners ; " with all 
the heart, soul, mind, and strength" of fallen spirits 
quickened by the Holy Ghost ! 

"But many have professed this perfection, whose 
lives witnessed that they did not enjoy it." Well, 
what of that? Are we to deny the doctrine on this 
account? Do not many profess justification, whose 
lives declare plainly that they are either deceived or 
grossly hypocritical? Shall we abandon our faith in 
that doctrine, because some will dishonor their pro- 
fession? Never! A man in England once said he 






A SUPERANNUATE. 161 

did not believe there were fifty pounds in the king- 
dom. Upon being interrogated for the reason of his 
strange assertion, he replied that he had not one-half 
that amount himself! Thus, some men, who never 
experienced any thing of the sort themselves, blindly 
set up their own attainments as the standard of Chris- 
tian privilege. But if we come to the word of God 
for light, we shall find inspired men praying for it, 
the provisions of the Gospel ample to warrant the 
expectation of it, the commands of God expressly 
enjoining it, and the promises teeming with encour- 
agement to seek it. And now, dear reader, "for this 
cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven 
and earth is named, that he would grant you, accord- 
ing to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with 
might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ 
may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being 
rooted and grounded in love, may be able to compre- 
hend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, 
and depth, and hight; and to know the love of Christ 
which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled 
with all the fullness of God!" 

Time sped away. Another year was numbered 
with the past, and I was again ready to leave the 
field of battle for the purpose of mingling with my 
brethren in the labors and privileges of the annual 
conference. I had passed through some of the 
severest mental conflicts of my life, but, through the 

rich mercy of God, the close of that year was hap- 

14 



162 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

pier than all the past, God was the strength and 
refuge of my soul. My labors being closed, I bowed 
upon my knees and poured out my soul to God in 
gratitude and praise — committed my flock to the 
protection of heaven, prayed that God would direct 
in the appointment of preachers to this field, and 
that the year to come might be more abundantly 
prosperous than the year past. And now to the 
praise of my Redeemer, I will again record the fact 
that in the year of our Lord, 1820, on Cambridge 
circuit, my soul was made perfect in love. " My 
mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let 
all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever." 
Amen. 






A SUPERANNUATE. 163 



CHAPTER XI. 

CAMBRIDGE C IR CUI T— S E C ND YEAR. 

From the conference of May, 1821, I. was returned 
to Cambridge circuit, and was shortly in the midst 
of my old friends, the press of whose hands bade 
me welcome to the field of toil and triumph. My 
sincere prayer to God was, that I might be more 
useful than the previous year. The conference sent 
me no colleague, but there was a young man em- 
ployed, who, though inexperienced, preached well 
for his years, was a good man, and well received. 
But the principal part of the labor devolved on me. 
"When our doctrines and usages were assailed, I must 
be found in the front of the battle, warding off the 
missiles of error, by wielding the sword of the Spirit. 

At their ordination, Methodist preachers promise 
to be diligent in banishing " all strange and false 
doctrines," and never did I suppose that in " con- 
tending for the faith which was once delivered unto 
the saints," the minister of the cross necessarily 
departs from his appropriate business of preaching 
" Christ crucified." I could have no sympathy with 
that sickly, fawning spirit that smiles upon error as 
an innocent foible, permitting it to pass unrebuked, 
under pretense of avoiding contention and promoting 



164 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

peace in the Church. The motive may be laudable, 
but the means are to be detested. Our fathers, the 
pioneers of Methodism, never sought the good-will 
of the world, or to conciliate the favor of the " stand- 
ing order,' ' by conniving at heresy ; nor did they 
think themselves " contentious " when laying bare 
the stupendous errors which they found labeled with 
Scripture names, and incorporated into creeds and 
confessions, in lieu of the sublime doctrines of Gos- 
pel truth. Had they refused to stand up in defense 
of the doctrines they avowed, or cowered before the 
haughty bearing of their " learned " opponents, defeat 
and not success would have marked their career, 
and the glorious triumphs of Methodism would never 
have been written. The mountains of bigotry, pre- 
judice, and ignorance, cleaved asunder by these 
dauntless heralds of salvation, w T ould never have 
fallen before the "modest" labors of pedantic time- 
servers. Their brilliant achievements stand out in 
bold relief, proving that they were no truckling 
cravens, seeking to establish dogmas w T hich they 
were unwilling to submit to the crucible of enlight- 
ened controversy. But notwithstanding the boldness 
and fidelity of the fathers, and their great success 
in refuting error, and in expounding the doctrines 
of the Bible, so inveterate was the prejudice of other 
denominations, that they had not yet learned, or 
would not acknowledge the true character of our 
theology. Even so late as 1821, any number of false 
notions prevailed in reference to our doctrines and 



A SUPERANNUATE. 165 

usages. In the bounds of Cambridge circuit, were 
Burgers and Anti-Burgers, Congregationalists, Pres- 
byterians and Baptists — all affirming that Methodism 
was "Arminian stuff." Scarcely ever looking into 
our standard books, they contented themselves with 
setting up and beating down, "a man of straw." Had 
I refused to labor in public and private to counteract 
these errors, and to make known, " with all plain- 
ness of speech," the distinguishing doctrines of the 
Church, I should have proved recreant to the trust 
committed to my charge. But believing that Meth- 
odism was a revival of primitive, Scriptural Chris- 
tianity, I ceased not to insist that the distinctive 
features thereof were fully sustained by the Bible — 
" The only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our 
faith and practice." 

These efforts were not altogether unavailing. 
Some were induced to " search the Scriptures," like 
the Bereans of old, " to see whether these things 
were so." And God was pleased to raise up for us 
champions for the truth, able to vindicate their faith, 
and to defend the usages of the Church against her 
most wily adversaries. An old gentleman of the 
name of King, who was raised among the Burgers, 
the most rigid Calvinists in the country, borrowed 
some Methodist books, and, after reading for a short 
time, found his prejudices giving way. He became 
anxious to hear for himself, came out to preaching, 
and listened with intense interest ; the word fastened 
upon his heart, and he went home determined to see 



166 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

whether the Bible did warrant the new doctrine. 
Searching the Scriptures carefully, with his mind, in 
a good measure, freed from the fetters of prejudice, 
he was not long in discovering that his old creed was 
no part of the Gospel of Christ. Possessing the 
spirit which prompts men to act upon their own con- 
victions, he at once embraced the truth, " in the love 
of it," and united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Of course, a storm of persecution followed ; 
his own family and friends denounced his course, 
pouring out torrents of indignation — but his position 
was chosen deliberately, and he stood firm. The 
whole community seemed arrayed against him ; the 
labors of the minister were brought into requisition, 
and all possible efforts made to bring him back to 
the "faith of the fathers" — but every thing proved 
unavailing. He read Fletcher's Checks, and other 
works, storing his mind with arguments, and proved 
more than equal to the best of his opposers. 

On public occasions — days of town meetings, etc. — • 
the minister would attack brother King in company — ■ 
perhaps with a view of convincing others that Meth- 
odism was false — at all events, he seemed to take 
pleasure in disputing with him when others would 
listen. On one of these occasions, some remarks 
were made on a disputed point, when brother K. 
asked, " Is it reasonable ?" Thereupon, the minis- 
ter exclaimed, "What has reason to do with faith!" 
Brother K. replied, "Grod made promise to Abra- 
ham, that he should have a son in his old age — that 



A SUPERANNUATE. 167 

his seed should be numerous as the stars, etc.; all 
this might look unreasonable to Abraham, but he 
looked up to heaven, and saw the sun shining in his 
strength — remembered the twinkling of the stars by 
night — thought of his past mercies and goodness, and 
then reasoned, He who made all these things, 
whose wisdom and power clothed them with light, 
beauty, and harmony, can fulfill his own word ; and, 
while looking upon these witnesses of God's perfec- 
tion, ' Abraham believed God, and it was counted to 
him for righteousness.' Thus, sir, we see what reason 
has to do with faith." 

Yes, reader, here is the way to believe the tenets 
of Calvinism: just stifle the intuitive convictions of 
right,, as they spring up in your soul, put out the eyes 
of common sense, shut off the light of heaven, and 
dogmatically exclaim, " What has reason to do with 
faith!" 

One day brother King went to Judge R , car- 
rying with him a copy of the life of Wesley, and said 
to him, " Judge, here is a book, which, if you will 
read it, will leave its tracks behind it ; however, if it 
does, you will, perhaps, never tell me, as you know 
the tongue can be made to do as you please." The 
Judge took the book, promising to read it. Some 
time afterward, brother K. went over to see the 
Judge, and found him in the field. After the 
usual civilities, the Judge said, " Well, Mr. King, 
do you remember what you said about that book ?" 
Brother K. replied, " I remember it very well." 



168 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

"And it does leave its tracks behind it," said the 
Judge. 

K. " I knew it would do that, but I thought, 
probably, you would never tell me about it." 

Judge.. "What a wonderful man Mr. Wesley 
was!" 

K. " He was truly a wonderful man." 

Judge. " And now I want to hear some of these 
Methodists preach; I want to hear for myself." 

K. " One of them will preach to-morrow, at Mr. 
D 's, and you must go and hear for yourself." 

Judge. "0, I can't go then, but I will go soon." 

K. "If you do not go to-morrow, perhaps you 
will never go." 

Judge. " Well, really, I can not stop my team." 

K. " I shall be going, and I will come and 
take you." 

Judge. "Then I will go with you." 

Brother King was so pleased that he rode all the 

way up to D 's, six miles, just to tell him that 

Judge R was going to attend Methodist meeting 

the next day. I happened to be there, and heard 
him relate the conversations which had passed be- 
tween them. Said he to me, "Now, brother Lewis, 
you know that Calvin taught that God works right- 
eousness in the righteous, and wickedness in the 
wicked; but our Savior says the good man sowed 
the good seed, and the devil sowed the tares. Now, 
brother, not that I wish to teach you how to preach, 
but if you could touch upon these points in a natural 



A SUPERANNUATE. 169 

way, it seems to me that good might result from it." 
Brother K. left, and returned the next day in com- 
pany with his friend, the Judge. This was the first 

time Judge R ever heard a Methodist sermon. 

He remained for class, after which we had a long 
conversation. He was much surprised on being told 
that we believed all infants, dying in infancy, would 
be saved. He had been taught that if both parents 
were pious, the child would be saved; if one was 
pious and belonged to the Church, there was some 
hope; but if both the parents were wicked, neither 
of them belonging to the Church, there was no hope : 
the child of such parents, dying out of the Church, 
was surely a reprobate, and would perish forever ! I 
explained to him that no infants were saved because 
their parents were pious, but because Christ redeemed 
them by his blood, and saved them from the curse of 
the law. He raised many objections, which I an- 
swered as plainly as I could, and after conversing 
freely together, we parted with the best of feeling. 
Shortly after this, the Judge said to brother King, "I 
have been thinking over what the minister said, the 
other day, about infants being saved, and the more I 
think of it, the more reasonable it appears." " Yes," 
said brother K., "it is certainly the Bible doctrine." 

It was not long till the Judge, in company with 
brother King, attended one of our quarterly meet- 
ings. We had, as usual, prayer meeting at night, 
family worship where we lodged, and then the Judge 

observed that most of us, before retiring to rest, 

15 



170 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

bowed the knee in secret devotion. He remarked, 
in surprise, that these men prayed more than any 
people he had ever known. Said he to brother King, 
" Only think of it : they had prayer meeting, prayed 
again in the family, and then prayed in secret before 
going to bed !" The Church members with whom the 
Judge had been associated, thought they were suffi- 
ciently pious if they prayed once in a week, or once 
in a month. He continued to attend our meetings, 
and finally joined the Church, and became a warm- 
hearted Christian and a happy man. 

At one appointment on this circuit, there lived 
several men of skeptical sentiments, with consider- 
able wealth and refinement, whose wives belonged to 
the Church, and were seldom absent from divine 
worship, although the preaching was on week-day. 
Sometimes their husbands would accompany them, 
and invite me home with them. I would generally 
accept the invitation ; and, though they had no confi- 
dence in the divinity of our faith, they would treat 
me well, so that I felt quite at home beneath their 
roofs. Some men are amiable in spite of the cor- 
rupting tendency of their mental convictions. The 
refining principles of Christianity mold their hearts, 
while the evidences of the heavenly origin of the 
system fail to command the assent of their minds. 
My association with these men was most agreeable, 
and I remember their hospitality with pleasurable 
emotions. One of them once expressed to me his 
doubts of the inspiration of the Scriptures; there- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 171 

upon I immediately called his attention to Zechariah 
ix, 9: "Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; shout, 
daughter of Jerusalem : behold, thy King cometh 
unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, 
and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of 
an ass." I first dwelt upon the time intervening 
between the declarations made in the text, and their 
alleged fulfillment. The prophet wrote some five 
hundred and eighty-seven years before the birth of 
Christ, and yet he clearly discovered the Son of 
David making his noted entry into Jerusalem; he 
described the beast he rode, the multitudes accom- 
panying him, and heard their triumphant shouts of 
"Hosannah in the highest!" My remarks were ex- 
tended to considerable length. Then, after a time 
spent in silence, my friend responded, that we want 
preachers to marry us and to bury our dead, and that 
he believed the preaching was useful ; that it tended 
to correct improper habits, improve the morals of 
society, etc. 

Here is one of the strange incongruities of the 
unbelieving. They admit that the Gospel is useful — 
that it makes men better — that it improves the 
morals and promotes the general well-being of so- 
ciety, and, when their friends are dying or dead, 
they want its consolations ; but still they insist that 
it is not divine, and therefore must be the might- 
iest fraud ever palmed upon the world ! But not- 
withstanding the inconsistency of their course, these 
were special friends of mine, and I believe they 



172 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

were more liberal in furnishing their wives with 
money for the support of the Gospel, than any 
men in the range of my acquaintance. Often did 
my prayer ascend to heaven for their conversion ; 
and I humbly trust that, ere this, the Gospel which 
they at the same time esteemed and denied, has 
become the power of God unto their salvation. 

In the town of M , I was permitted to preach 

two discourses in the Baptist Church. In the first, 
I endeavored to set forth the absurdity of flattering 
ourselves that we are Christians, while remaining 
destitute of the Scriptural marks of discipleship. 
At the close, a gentleman approached me and com- 
menced advocating the doctrine, u Once in grace, 
always in grace/' By way of illustration, he said, 
" You know we sometimes cover up our fire in 
the evening before we retire, and when we get up 
in the morning we see no signs of fire till we rake 
over the ashes — then we find here and there a 
spark that may be brought together and kindled. " 
" Yes," said I, " and very often, after raking the 
ashes most diligently, we find that it has all gone 
out!" After the second sermon, the gentleman 
came forward again, and put to me what he evi- 
dently considered a "stumper" of a question. Said 
he, " Mr. Lewis, when a man is converted he re- 
ceives something, does he not?" My answer was 
in the affirmative. "Now, then," said he, "when 
a man falls from grace, what becomes of that some- 
thing?" I assured him that God could withdraw 



A SUPERANNUATE. 173 

his grace from any that would abuse it, referring 
him to the case of the man who refused to improve 
the one talent, and the command to take it from 
him and give it to him that had ten. 

Some time after this, I fell in company with the 
Baptist minister. He also introduced the subject, 
and attempted to vindicate the notion of uncondi- 
tional perseverance. He based his argument on 
the parable of the leaven hid in three measures of 
meal till the whole was leavened. Said he, " Did 
you ever know leaven placed in meal that failed to 
produce its proper effect ?" I told him I had known 
it often. "Well," said he, "has not the leaven 
an acting principle that is destined to work?" I 
admitted it ; but reminded him that much depended 
on the condition of the meal — the temperature at 
which it is kept, etc. The meal must be prepared, 
and when the leaven is deposited, it must not be 
kept too hot or too cold. So with the grace of 
God. It must be received into the heart, and then 
its operation must not be resisted. The heart only 
comes under the assimilating influence of grace, in 
proportion as it yields to the demands of the 
Gospel. Without the concurrence of the human 
will, the grace of God will no more diffuse itself 
through the soul, transforming the affections to the 
likeness of God, than leaven will produce its legiti- 
mate results in meal, while kept in an atmosphere 
so hot or so cold as to prevent fermentation. 

In attending to my regular rounds of duty on 



♦ 



174 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the circuit, I still realized much of the divine pres- 
ence. My communion with God was uninterrupted. 
I could still sing — 

"Not a doubt doth arise, to darken the skies, 
Or hide for a moment my Lord from mine eyes." 

Our meetings were lively and spiritual ; our class 
meetings, in particular, were seasons of refreshing 
to our souls. God was in our midst to kill and 
make alive, and the attention of many wanderers 
was turned to the things of the kingdom of God. 
But one great hinderance to the work of conversion 
was, that many thought they must make themselves 
better before God would accept them. This is a 
common error ; or, I may say, a common delusion 
of the devil. When persons are convinced of sin, 
they discover their unworthiness in so startling a 
light that they are easily persuaded that they must 
not venture on Christ for salvation, till they expiate 
some of their own sins by repentance, reformation, 
prayers and tears, if not by penance ; and under 
this specious delusion, they go about the work, only 
to prove the weakness of their resolutions, and 
the strength of the chains which bind them. Vain 
effort ! 



"If you tarry till you're better, 
You will never come at all I" 



Here I will give an incident illustrating the folly 
of trying to remove the malady from our own sinful 



A SUPERANNUATE. 175 

hearts. It was related by one of my Irish members 
on this circuit, who lived in Ireland at the time it 
occurred, and knew the man well. A Roman Cath- 
olic was passing down street, and, hearing singing 
in the Methodist chapel, he concluded to step in a 
few minutes, which he did, without any intention of 
staying ; but after the preacher took his text, he 
soon found himself deeply interested in the discourse, 
and tarried till the meeting closed. The next day 
he went to the priest, and told him that he felt very 
badly. The priest, after examining him somewhat, 
said to him, "I know what is the matter; you have 
been among those Methodists, and they have made 
you crazy; but I can cure, you." After receiving 
from the priest his prescription of penance, the man 
returned home; but after several days, he went back 
and said to the priest, " Indeed, sir, and I am very 
sick yet!" "Well," said the priest, "I can do nothing 
more for you ; you must go to the ' old father ' on 
the island, thirty miles distant, he can cure you. 
When you arrive at the island, any one can tell you 
where the father lives." Away went the man to 
the island, to see the " father." When he arrived 
there, the imposing mansion of the lordly priest was 
pointed out to him,, situated on an eminence, sur- 
rounded with indications of wealth and luxury sur- 
passing any thing to which the untutored "penitent" 
had been accustomed. With no little trepidation, he 
approached, being little less in awe of the august 
character of the " old father," than of the magnifi- 



176 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

cence surrounding his dwelling, and with unaffected 
simplicity handed the old priest a written confession, 
which the other priest had sent — not doubting that 
his mysterious " sickness" would now be cured. The 
"old father" read the confession, looked gravely at 
the man, and said, "You are a desperately wicked 
fellow." "Ah, sir, an' that's not all that I'm guilty 
of!" said the man. "Well, here," said the priest, 
"take this crust of bread, and go over yonder on the 
beach, and go so many yards [I forget the number] 
on your bare hands and knees; eat this crust of 
bread, drink a little water, and you will soon become 
well." He followed the prescription to the letter. 
He went to the beach, fell down on his hands and 
knees, both bare, and though the pebbles cut and 
mangled his flesh in a terrible manner, he went the 
round three times a day for three days, but found no 
relief. He was in great distress, and said, "What 
shall I do ? I went to the priest, and he could do 
me no good; I went to the ' old father,' and he 
makes me no better ; now, here I am, thirty miles 
from home, my hands and knees cut to a jelly, and 
lam yet no better; what shall I do?" He deter- 
mined to get home, if possible ; so he hobbled off in 
the night, and, after much suffering, he reached home, 
exhausted and full of pain. He went to bed and 
remained till the following morning, but could not 
sleep. The anguish of his mind was more intense 
than the pains arising from his abused limbs. That 
morning, he left his bed and went down into his 



A SUPERANNUATE. 17T 

meadow to pray. He says, " I fell upon my knees 
behind a bunch of hay, and said, ' I have been to 
the priest, and he could not cure me ; I went to the 
" old father," and he could do me no good ; and now 
I am come to try what the Lord Jesus Christ can do 
for me.' : While thus engaged in prayer, the burden 
of guilt was rolled from his heart, and he was made 
well and happy. How true the language of Dr. 
Watts : 

* Nor bleeding bird, nor bleeding beast, 
Nor hyssop branch, nor sprinkling priest, 
Nor running brook, nor flood, nor sea, 
Can wash the dismal stain away !" 

Now I wish to record the goodness of God in pre- 
serving my life, in the midst of imminent peril. I 
was using a remarkably skittish horse, which would be 
frightened at the flutter of the smallest leaf. On an 
extremely cold, windy day, I was driving him in a 
light carriage, having myself wrapped up in overcoat 
and cloak, with a horse-blanket gathered about my 
feet, to protect me from the cold, when I came to a 
hill with a steep descent of about the fourth of a 
mile. I started down, thinking that if my horse 
should attempt to run, I would try to run him over 
against a high fence, which stood to the right, when 
suddenly my thoughts were interrupted by the break- 
ing of the band which held up the breeching. The 
harness fell, and I was at the mercy of my horse, 
now trembling with fright. I sprang to my feet, but 
found them fast in the blanket. The horse stood 



178 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

trembling, till I disentangled my feet, jumped out, 
chocked the wheel, and readjusted the harness. My 
heart went up in thankfulness to God, whose restrain- 
ing hand rested on that horse, and thus preserved my 
life. I believe not only in a general, but also in a 
particular providence; and I do believe that God 
mercifully interposed^ perhaps, by sending an angel, 
to avert from me a fearful calamity, if not sudden 
death. A horse is a vain thing for safety, but salva- 
tion is of the Lord. 

The year closed pleasantly. God sustained me by 
his grace, and we felt grateful to him for all the mer- 
cies of the year. I look back to the two years spent 
on Cambridge circuit, with more than ordinary in- 
terest. The scenes, the associations, the labors, and, 
especially the experience of the divine fullness which 
I there first realized, are among my most cherished 
recollections. But many who were then my asso- 
ciates, with whom I took sweet counsel, and in whose 
company I went to the house of God, have entered 
the upper glory, and are now tuning their harps in 
the presence of the Lamb* May I meet them all in 
heaven ! 

* They mark'd the footsteps that he trod ; 
His zeal inspired their breast ; 
And, foll'wing their incarnate God, 
Possess the promised rest." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 179 



CHAPTER XII. 

BERN CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

May, 1822, our conference sat in the city of New 
York. At the close of a very pleasant session, I 
received my appointment to Bern circuit, on the west- 
ern side of the Hudson. This was very unexpected 
to me. I had generally taken the whole ground; 
indeed, I had traveled every circuit from Lower 
Canada down to Massachusetts ; and, in going to 
Bern circuit, I had to pass through one of the finest 
fields of labor in the whole conference, where there 
were two parsonages, and the people fully able to 
support two married preachers. There was no 
preacher's house on the circuit to which I was sent, 
and I had a married man for my colleague — the Rev. 
H. Ames — a blessed good man, who could pray and 
exhort so as to make the sinners tremble. This was 
the first time I felt dissatisfied with my appointment. 
Before conference, the presiding elder said to me, he 
did not know what he should do for Bern circuit ; that 
the ministerial labor had been inefficient, and the 
work was running down ; but I did not suspect that 
he was putting out a " feeler." My health was poor, 
and the country was exceedingly rough; so I felt 



180 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

very much aggrieved at being sent there. I besought 
the elder and the bishop for a change, but all to no 
purpose ; this, and only this, was to be my field of 
toil for the coming year, and the sequel will show 
how unreasonable it is to murmur at the allotments 
of Providence. 

Having completed my two years at Cambridge, I 
had made my arrangements for moving before setting 
out for conference, and, on my return, found every 
thing ready for loading up, so that the Saturday fol- 
lowing the close of conference, brought us safely to our 
field of labor. The distance to conference was two 
hundred miles, and the move from the old to the new 
circuit, from fifty to sixty. On Sabbath, I preached 
my first sermon in a very filthy house ; but we soon 
had it renovated, and also engaged part of an un- 
finished building for sheltering my family. This 
house stood in a retired place, with no water there 
that was fit for drinking or washing ; and Methodist 
preachers know something of the need of such accom- 
modation as good washing facilities afford, after a 
long move ; but, Providence came to our relief, and 
sent down refreshing showers, from his own reservoir ; 
and, by putting out numerous vessels, we were soon 
supplied with the element so indispensable to clean- 
liness. 

I soon set out for the lower end of my charge, and, 
at Rensselaerville, learned that a comfortable house 
could be obtained, with good water privileges. This 
was an extreme point on the circuit, and, if my family 



A SUPERANNUATE. 181 

lived there, I should have to be absent from them 
most of the time ; but as it seemed the only point at 
which comfortable quarters could be had, I deter- 
mined to accept the kind offer of some of the brethren 
to move us, as soon as the demands of the work would 
allow me a few days to myself. Before I made the 
first round, the work of the Lord broke out gloriously 
at one point, and I told my wife that we were in 
the right place ; that I now felt satisfied we should 
enjoy ourselves better than if we had gone to the 
circuit we desired. I also told her, that, though we 
did not live in elegantly-furnished rooms, and walk 
upon Turkey-carpets, we could have a comfortable 
house, with all necessary conveniences, and a good 
school for our children. Although it had always 
been severely trying to Mrs. L. to pack up and move, 
she went at it, this time, with pleasure, and we were 
soon in the little village^ feeling quite at home. 

The presiding elder's remarks before conference, in 
reference to ministerial inefficiency, were now forcibly 
brought to mind. At many points on the circuit the 
class-books had not been marked for twelve months; 
class meetings were slimly attended, and, of course, a 
general prostration of religious interest was the con- 
sequence ; for whatever other denominations may do, 
experience and observation teach me that unless class 
meetings are kept up, Methodist societies will dwindle 
and die. Some of our societies were ripe for refor- 
mation or destruction; and with this impression dis- 
tinct in my mind, I commenced revising the class- 



182 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

books, visiting the leaders and members, and urging 
upon all the necessity of attending the means of 
grace. After preaching, I would request all the 
members to stay for class, and then exhort them to 
faithfulness, warning the delinquents that if they per- 
sisted in neglect of duty they must be brought before 
the society and laid aside for breach of rule. 

God blessed our feeble efforts and poured out the 
Spirit from on high, making the wilderness to become 
a fruitful field. We were soon in the midst of a pow- 
erful revival of religion. Rocks, hills, and valleys 
were no longer dreaded; rough places were made 
smooth, crooked places were made straight, hills were 
brought down and valleys were exalted before the 
Lord; for he rained righteousness upon us. This 
mighty baptism of the Spirit seemed to renew the 
face of earth, overspreading the landscape with a 
mantle of light. "Sing, ye heavens; for the Lord 
hath done it : shout, ye lower parts of the earth : 
break forth into singing, ye mountains, forest, 
and every tree therein : for the Lord hath redeemed 
Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel." 

We now established a new appointment in Middle- 
town, where we met with great opposition. Some of 
the "standing order" raised the hue and cry against 
us, as if we had been the veritable wolves in sheep's 
clothing. The minister, who had not been in the 
neighborhood for perhaps six months, came and stuck 
to them like a brother — laboring, night after night, 
warning the people against our encroachments, and 



A SUPERANNUATE. 183 

telling them that we preached most dangerous doc- 
trine! And it did sometimes seem that a plain, 
Methodist, Gospel sermon, was like a bomb-shell 
among Calvinistic refinements. 

Once, when I came to this point, and learned what 
a dust had been raised, I alluded to the subject in a 
short speech, something after this fashion: "It ap- 
pears to me, that those who believe God has fore- 
ordained whatsoever comes to pass, so that not the 
smallest event can possibly occur otherwise than as 
he has decreed, ought in all candor to be careful 
how they oppose Methodism, lest they be found fight- 
ing against God; for if that doctrine be true, God 
has decreed that there should be just so many Pres- 
byterians, so many Baptists, and so many Methodists, 
and it is impossible that there should be any more 
or any less of either than he has particularly and 
unchangeably designed. And if this doctrine be 
true, God has decreed, from all eternity, that there 
should be a little man named David Lewis; that he 
should be a Methodist preacher; that he should 
preach just such doctrines in Middletown as he has 
preached; that just so many should believe them, 
and so many should not ; and he has moreover de- 
creed, that if people will dislike it, get mad and scold 
about the new doctrine, this same David Lewis should 
be perfectly unconcerned, so Christ is preached, sin- 
ners converted, and the name of the Lord glorified." 

Notwithstanding the outcry against us, the Lord 
favored us with his rich grace, and a fine revival 



184 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

ensued. A Church was organized, and we soon had 
a flourishing society, the members of one heart and 
one soul, pulling sweetly together in the Gospel yoke. 
"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: 
they shall walk, Lord, in the light of thy counte- 
nance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day : 
and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." 

A brother in this place had a pair of twin-boys, 
active, bright, good scholars for their age. What was 
singular about them was, that one of them would pick 
up a book, and if it happened wrong end up, he 
would read with the greatest fluency ; it seemingly 
making no difference which way the book was held, 
or whether he read backward or forward. I should 
like much to know what has become of those fine 
little boys. 

We had an appointment in Schoharie, the county- 
seat. Some years before, this place was noted for 
wickedness. It was considered rather unsafe for a 
preacher to pass through the town. But there was a 
man of the name of Stots, noted for pugilistic accom- 
plishments, who became soundly converted, and the 
fighting propensity all taken out of his heart. After 
this, he became the stanch friend of the preachers, 
and the people were mostly afraid of him. He was 
in the habit of accompanying the preachers through 
this place, as a sort of body-guard, to their next 
appointment beyond; but in my day here, outward 
opposition of this kind had pretty much ceased. I 
found living here an excellent local preacher, of the 



A SUPERANNUATE. 185 

name of Wate. Many a happy night did I spend 
with him and his pious family. 

Finally, I will say that we were blessed with a 
general revival throughout the circuit; and rough 
and forbidding as the country seemed in the start, 
I closed up the year's labor happy in the Savior, 
and having no desire to move to another field. I 
still felt an indwelling God. Blessed be his holy 
name ! " 0, that men would praise the Lord for his 
goodness, and for his wonderful works to the chil- 
dren of men!" 

This year, I received my whole quarterage claim, 
and seventeen or twenty dollars for table expenses; 
paid my own house-rent, but received more than any 
previous year in the New York conference. Having 
made new class-books, and attended to the various 
concerns of the circuit, I left for the seat of confer- 
ence, where I was permitted to renew many happy 
acquaintances with brethren in the ministry. We 
greeted each other in the name of our common Lord, 
and talked over the labors, sufferings, and success of 
the past year, and rejoiced together in hope of "the 
common salvation." 

In 1823, our conference sat in . Bishop 

George presiding. For the first time in my life, 
I now made some remarks relative to my appoint- 
ment, which the Bishop readily understood. Said 
he, "You do not wish to move." Said I, " You 
crowded me there, and now I do not want vou to 

snatch me away." I was returned to Bern circuit, 

16 



186 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

which was satisfactory, so far as I know, to all 
concerned. The Church was in a healthy state, 
the membership generally disposed to commence 
anew the divine life, giving themselves up more 
fully to the service of God ; but new obstacles to 
the advancement of truth were preparing for us. 

A Mr. S , a preacher of Unitarianism, of the 

order called New-Lights, now known as Bible Chris- 
tians, began preaching some twelve or fourteen 
miles below us, and created quite a stir among the 
people, by his zeal in advocating those peculiar 
notions for which the sect is distinguished. Many 
of our citizens went down to hear him, and some 
thought him the greatest man they ever listened to. 
Of course, his sentiments spread like wildfire, and 
threatened serious consequences to the cause of 
orthodox Christianity. A young Mr. W -, a stu- 
dent of medicine, whose sentiments were of the 

materialist type, invited the Rev, Mr. S to 

come to our town and preach. On hearing it, I 
expressed a desire that he should preach on their pe- 
culiar doctrines. The Doctor, with whom the young 
student was boarding, said he would— that he ex- 
pected him to put up at his house, and would 
request him to do so. The appointed time arrived, 

and Mr. S came and delivered his wonderful 

discourse. He spent considerable time, in the first 
place, proving that there is but one God; then he 
occupied an hour and a half in proving that Jesus 
Christ is the Son of God; and finally closed by 



A SUPERANNUATE. 187 

drawing the conclusion from these two propositions, 
that Jesus Christ is not God. 

The first and second propositions are perfectly 
Scriptural ; no man, with the Bible before him, will 
pretend to deny them ; but the inference is not. 
warranted by the premises. There is more in the 
conclusion than in the premises ; hence, the argu- 
ment is fallacious ; but it was just the kind of dis- 
course to produce effect among superficial thinkers. 
Many were highly elated — thought the new doctrine 
unanswerably established ; it was therefore mani- 
festly important to do something at once to counter- 
act the influence of the mischievous error, before it 
brought forth fruit to perfection. Impressed w T ith 
this fact, I announced that at my next regular ap- 
pointment — three weeks from the Sabbath on w T hich 

Mr. S preached — I would, the Lord willing, 

offer my views on the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

This produced a breeze. Mr. S ? s sermon, and 

the one now proposed, formed the whole topic of 
conversation ; the excitement was intense ; Bibles 
were seen on the counter and in the shops — every 
one had something to say on the Sonship of our 
adorable Redeemer. 0, that they had been as 
eager to seek redemption in his blood! But men 
are always inclined to show more zeal for an 

opinion, than for the life of their souls. Mr. S 

preached another sermon before my appointment 
came, which had no tendency to allay the excite- 
ment. At length the day arrived, the house was 



188 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

crowded with wide-awake hearers, and I endeavored, 
to the best of my ability, to vindicate this funda- 
mental doctrine of our holy religion, which had 
been so virulently assailed. I propose to give an 
outline of the discourse delivered on that occasion. 

The text selected was the last clause of the first 
verse of the first chapter of our Lord's Gospel by 
St. John: "And the Word was God." I re- 
marked as follows : "And — the — word — was — God." 
Was it not ? Who will dispute it ? I dare not ! 
Jesus Christ was the Word, as may be seen in the 
14th verse : " And the Word was made flesh, and 
dwelt among us, etc." Now, this Word, the Lord 
Jesus, who was God, and who was made flesh, pos- 
sessed two whole, complete, and yet distinct natures; 
he was truly and essentially God, and truly and 
essentially man. He is sometimes spoken of in 
Scripture in reference to his human nature, and 
sometimes in reference to his higher nature — his 
essential Godhead, or Deity. When reference is 
had to his humanity, inferiority is attributed to him ; 
as when he says, "My Father is greater than I;" 
but when the reference is to his higher nature, 
perfect equality with the Father is ascribed to him ; 
as when he says, "I and my Father are one." 

But right here, in the outset, we are met with 
the objection — the old stereotyped objection of in- 
fidelity against Christianity — that this is so mys- 
terious that we can not comprehend it. The inquiry 
is urged upon us, "Do you expect us to believe 



A SUPERANNUATE. 189 

in mysteries ?" We do expect you to believe in 
facts, the mode of which you can not understand. 
If you do not, you will believe in nothing. You 
are surrounded with mystery ; you find it without 
and within you; the air you breathe, the water 
you drink, the food you eat, the sights that delight 
your eyes, the sounds that salute your ears, the 
fragrant odors that regale your sense of smell — 
all these contain mysteries which no finite mind 
can fathom. But we do not ask you to believe 
in mysteries ; we only ask you to believe what 
God has revealed — to take his word and testimony, 
believing it to contain nothing but the truth, though 
that truth be so high, so great, so sublime as to 
tower to the heavens, and lose itself from your 
gaze, in the ineffable light that surrounds the throne 
of God! You must learn to distinguish between 
a fact, and the mode of a fact. You can believe 
in one and not the other. You believe your soul 
and body are united — there is the fact ; but you 
know nothing about how they are united — that is, 
you do not understand the mode of the fact, .and 
you believe nothing about the mode. The fact is 
before you, and it challenges your belief; but the 
mode is mysterious. Thus in religion: the facts, 
the truths, are revealed, and we are called upon to 
believe them ; and whatever of mystery attaches to 
them, is found to belong to the mode of the facts, 
and is not an object of faith. But it is absurd to 
reject facts, because you can not understand the 



190 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

manner of them. You do no such thing in regard 
to the world around you, and I would have you 
draw off your minds at once from mysteries, and 
fix them upon the facts brought to light in the 
Bible. 

But suppose I quote fifty passages proving that 
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, these will not dis- 
prove that he is God — for he is both ; or suppose I 
bring forward as many texts to prove that he is God, 
these will not disprove that he is man — because he is 
both God and man ; so when our opponents prove 
that the Son of man was inferior to his almighty 
Father, they have proved nothing at all bearing on 
the issue before us. They must prove that he is not 
God! They must make it appear that the Word 
was not made flesh, or else that the text is false when 
it says the Word was God ! 

I wish you to notice that there are two names — I 
say not words, but names — which are synonymous : 
I Am, and Jehovah. These are underived, and 
incommunicable. I Am, means self-existent, inde- 
pendent, a perfect whole ; it denotes a nature, or 
subsistence, that can not but be — and which can not 
be imparted to any other being. So with the name 
Jehovah. It is the proper title of the self-existent, 
independent, immutable God. Now, if I show that 
Jehovah of the Old Testament, and Jesus Christ of 
the New Testament, are one and the same being, 
you will be bound to admit the doctrine for which I 
contend ; that our Lord and Savior is the ever-living 



A SUPERANNUATE. 191 

and true God. Now for the text once more : " And 
the Word was God!" 

I have one broad proposition ; namely, Jesus Christ 
is the unoriginated God. I pledge myself to establish, 
from the Scriptures, this most glorious doctrine. In 
order to redeem this pledge, I will proceed to col- 
lect and collate passages from the Old and New 
Testaments, showing their bearing on the point before 
us. The first I notice is Exodus iii, 14: " And God 
said unto Moses, I Am That I Am : Thus shalt thou 
say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me 
unto you." Compare this with John viii, 58: "Jesus 
saith unto them, before Abraham was, I Am." Had 
Christ merely intended to claim that he existed be- 
fore Abraham was born he would have used the past 
tense ; but this he never did with reference to his own 
essential nature or being. He claims the Old Testa- 
ment appellation of the self-existent God. He was 
therefore the eternal God, or he made a wrong use of 
this title, and claimed a character he did not possess. 

See, next, Ex. xix, 16-20 : " And it came to pass, 
on the third day in the morning, that there were thun- 
ders and lightnings and a thick cloud upon the mount, 
and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud ; so that 
all the people that were in the camp trembled. And 
Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to 
meet with God ; and they stood at the nether part 
of the mount. And Mount Sinai was altogether on 
a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire : 
and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a 



192 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And 
when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and 
waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God 
answered him by a voice. And the Lord came down 
upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mount : and the 
Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount ; and 
Moses went up." Compare this with Hebrews xii, 
18-26: "For ye are not come unto the mount that 
might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor 
unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, arid the 
sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which 
voice they that heard, entreated that the word should 
not be spoken to them any more, (for they could not 
endure that which was commanded, and if so much 
as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or 
thrust through with a dart : and so terrible was the 
sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake;) 
but ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city 
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to 
an innumerable company of angels, to the general 
assembly and Church of the first-born, which are 
written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and 
to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus 
the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood 
of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that 
of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh ! 
For if they escaped not who refused him that spake 
on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn 
away from him that speaketh from heaven: whose 
voice then shook the earth: but now he hath prom- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 193 

ised, saying Yet once more I shake not the earth 
only, but also heaven." Both these passages, I 
claim, refer to Jesus Christ as God : " See that ye 
refuse not him that speaketh!" This manifestly 
refers to Christ. He is the u Mediator of the new 
covenant;" and his word is the law of the Church. 
"Whoever may be alluded to as speaking on the earth, 
which was probably Moses, it is Christ that " speak- 
eth from heaven." This is clear beyond question from 
the scope of the passage ; but it is equally plain that 
it was the same being " whose voice then shook the 
earth" — that is, when the voice spoke to Moses on 
Sinai. But if it is Christ that speaketh from heaven, 
and if it was his voice that shook the earth in the 
days of Moses, then surely Christ is God, or Paul 
was mistaken. 

In corroboration of the position that both the above 
Scriptures refer to Christ, proving him to be the 
Jehovah of the Old Testament, I present the follow- 
ing : " The chariots of God are twenty thousand, 
even thousands of angels : the Lord is among them, 
as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thou hast ascended 
on high, thou hast led captivity captive; thou hast 
received gifts for men ; yea, for the rebellious also, 
that the Lord God might dwell among them." Psalm 
lxviii, 17, 18. Compare this with Ephesians iv, 7, 8: 
"But unto every one of us is given grace according to 
the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore, he 
saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity 

captive, and gave gifts unto men." Now, that same 

17 



194 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

God that was upon Mount Sinai, was among the 
angels of God, and ascended up on high, according 
to the Psalmist ; and St. Paul affirms that it was 
Christ. Who ascended up on high, leading captivity 
captive, and gave gifts unto men ? Paul says it was 
Christ ; but the Psalmist says it was the Lord, the 
God that dwelleth among the angels, the same that 
was upon Sinai; therefore, Christ is God, the God 
of Israel, or Paul made a wrong application of the 
passage. 

Look, next, at Numbers xxi, 5, 6: "And the peo- 
ple spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore 
have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the 
wilderness ? for there is no bread, neither is there any 
water ; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And 
the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and 
they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.' 5 
Compare this with 1st Corinthians x, 9: "Neither 
let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, 
and were destroyed of serpents.' ' The Israelites 
tempted the Lord in the wilderness — they c spake 
against God ;" but Paul says they tempted Christ. 
This is the meaning of the apostle's language, beyond 
all doubt ; for, the pronoun him, after the word 
" tempted," is clearly implied; and the plainest rules 
of grammar require that it be understood of Christ. 
But if so, then Christ must be God — the Jehovah 
God of Israel, or Paul has misapplied the Scripture. 

I direct attention to the following verses from the 
thirty-second chapter of Deuteronomy, for the pur- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 195 

pose of fixing your minds upon the term "Rock;" 
namely, the 4th, 15th, 18th, 31st : " He is the Rock, 
his work is perfect : for all his ways are judgment : 
a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is 
he." " But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou 
art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered 
with fatness ; then he forsook God which made him, 
and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation." " Of 
the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and 
hast forgotten God that formed thee." " For their 
rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves 
being judges." See, also, Psalm lxxviii, 35: "And 
they remembered that God was their Rock, and the 
high God their Redeemer." But St. Paul, in his 
first epistle to the Corinthians, says, this rock was 
Christ. "And did all drink the same spiritual 
drink: (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that 
followed them ; and that Rock was Christ. 5 ') 1 Cor. 
x, 4. Christ was the Rock, the Redeemer, the God, 
the high God, the salvation of Israel, or St. Paul is 
guilty of perverting the Scriptures ! 

Now read Nehemiah ix, 30 : " Yet many years 
didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them 
by thy Spirit, in thy prophets: yet would they not 
give ear : therefore gavest thou them into the hand 
of the people of the lands." Whose spirit was in 
the prophets ? Was it not the Spirit of God ? But 
Peter said it was the Spirit of Christ. " Of which 
salvation the prophets have inquired, and searched 
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should 



196 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

come unto you : searching what, or what manner of 
time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, did sig- 
nify, when it testified, beforehand, the suiferings of 
Christ, and the glory that should follow.' ' 1 Peter i, 
10, 11. God inspired the prophets, by his Holy 
Spirit, and that was the Spirit of Christ ; therefore, 
Christ is God, or Peter was in the wrong ! " Thy 
throne, God, is forever and ever : the scepter of 
thy kingdom is a right scepter. Thou lovest right- 
eousness, and hatest wickedness : therefore God, thy 
God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness 
above thy fellows.'' Psalm xlv, 6, 7. St. Paul ap- 
plies this passage to Christ, in Hebrews i, 8, 9: 
" But unto the Son, he saith, Thy throne, God, 
is forever and ever," etc.; therefore, the Son is God, 
or the application of this passage to him is wrong. 
" Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: 
and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They 
shall perish, but thou shalt endure : yea, all of them 
shall wax old like a garment ; as a vesture shalt thou 
change them, and they shall be changed : but thou 
art the same, and thy years shall have no end." 
Psalm cii, 25-27. This is an inspired address to 
God, the God of Israel, whom David worshiped ; 
but it is applied to Christ by an inspired apostle, 
Heb. i, 10-12: "And, Thou, Lord, in the begin- 
ing hast laid the foundation of the earth," etc.; the 
conjunction " and " connects this with the first 
clause of the 8th verse, "But unto the Son, he 
saith," etc.; so that there can be no doubt that 



A SUPERANNUATE. 197 

the passage is applied to Christ: Christ is there- 
fore God, or the apostle was wrong in applying these 
words to him. 

Let us next notice Isaiah xl, 3-5 : " The voice 
of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye 
the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a 
highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, 
and every mountain and hill shall be made low : and 
the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough 
places plain : and the glory of the Lord shall be 
revealed, and all flesh shall see it together : for the 
mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." This passage 
is applied to John the Baptist, preparing the way 
before Christ, the coming Messiah. " For this is he 
that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, 
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare 
ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." 
Matt, iii, 3. Wesley, Burkett, Benson, Buck, Clarke, 
and the learned generally, tell us that " Lord," in 
this place, . is Jehovah, in the original of the Old 
Testament, and there is not the least shadow 
of doubt that the prophet spoke of the great God 
of Israel ; but John was the " voice," and he was 
sent to prepare the way before Christ; therefore 
Christ is God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, 
or the passage is misapplied in Matthew. On 
this point also compare Malachi iii, 1, with Matthew 
xi, 7-10. 

Hosea xiii, 4: " Yet I am the Lord thy God from 
the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but 



198 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

me : for there is no Savior beside me." Compare 
with Jude 25 : " To the only wise God our Savior, 
be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both 
now and for ever. Amen." God says by the mouth 
of Hosea, that he is the only God, and the only 
Savior; Jude ascribes praises to the only wise God 
and Savior ; therefore, if Christ be not God, he is 
not a Savior ! So Isaiah xliii, 11 : " I, even I, am 
the Lord; and beside me there is no Savior." But 
Paul says, " Looking for that blessed hope, and the 
glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior 
Jesus Christ." Titus ii, 13. Jesus Christ is there- 
fore God, or he is not a Savior ; for God says, 
" Beside me there is no Savior!" 

Look at the following : " Thus saith the Lord the 
King of Israel, and his Bedeemer the Lord of hosts; 
I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me 
there is no God." Isaiah xliv, 6. Now look at this : 
"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. 
And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto 
me, Fear not ; I am the first and the last : I am he 
that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive 
for evermore, Amen ; and have the keys of hell 
and of death." Bev. i, 17, 18. Was it Christ that 
was dead, and liveth again, having the keys of hell 
and of death ? None dare dispute it ! Then Christ 
says, "lam the first and the last:" and God says, 
" I am the first and the last ; and beside me there 
is no God!" Christ, therefore, is "the Lord the 
King of Israel, and his Bedeemer the Lord of 



A SUPERANNUATE. 199 

hosts;" or this Scripture, which calls him " the first 
and the last," is false. 

I now direct attention to Isaiah xii, 2 : " Behold, 
God is my salvation ; I will trust, and not be afraid : 
for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song ; 
he also is become my salvation." Compare with 
Acts iv, 12 : " Neither is there salvation in any 
other : for there is none other name under heaven 
given among men, whereby we must be saved." This 
was said of Christ ; but the prophet said the Lord 
Jehovah is become his salvation : Christ is there- 
fore the Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting 
strength, or else the prophet, or St. Peter was 
mistaken. But if Christ is the Lord Jehovah, he 
is truly and essentially God ; for this is that un- 
derived and incommunicable name which belongs to 
none but the self-existent, eternal God. 

But I will cease collating Old and New Testament 
passages, and notice a few other Scriptures in a 
general way, and bring my remarks to a close. 

" For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is 
given : and the government shall be upon his 
shoulder : and his name [expressive of nature] shall 
be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, 
the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 
ix, 6. This passage refers to Christ, and causes 
no little trouble to those who deny his claims to 

the perfections of Deity. Mr. S told us that 

Christ is called God, because he is the father of 
God's children — pretty good, is it not?— and that 



200 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

there can not be a father without a son, nor a son 
without a father ; and that the son can not be as 
old as his father, etc. Now look at this : There can 
be no father till there is a son ; then, whatever 
God was prior to the existence of the Son, he was 
not Father ; and the moment the Son came into 
being, the Father, as such, came into being, or be- 
came what he was not before ! Or, he says, " There 
can be no Father without a Son ;" and if father is 
a property of the Deity, an essential characteristic 
of his nature, then the existence of the Son is nec- 
essary to the perfection of God ; and if God was 
always perfect, the Son must always have existed. 
But the trouble with our opponents is, they constantly 
conceive of God as of men, and because a man is 
never so old as his father, they argue that there is 
no sense in which the Son of God is equal to his 
Father, in power and eternity, notwithstanding such 
equality is ascribed to him in the Bible, But the 
cases are not parallel. The nature of God and 
the nature of man are far different. This argument 
against the Deity of Christ falls to the ground, 
because the analogy, in which it is founded, has no 
existence. 

Here is another criticism. Mr. Millard says, " The 
prophet does not say that he is the mighty God, but 
that he shall be so called" But who calls him the 
mighty God? Have we not seen that he is "so 
called" in the Scriptures? And if so, are we not 
bound to believe that he is correctly so called? If the 



A SUPERANNUATE. 201 

sacred writers " call " him what he is not, they do it 
from ignorance or wickedness ; but to attribute either 
to them is to destroy their claim to inspiration, and 
plunge us into open infidelity. 

But again: It is said that men are called gods in 
the Bible, as when the Lord said unto Moses, "I have 
made thee a god to Pharaoh." True; but where 
men are called gods, the scope of the passage points 
out the subordinate sense in which the term is used. 
Not so of Christ. He is plainly recognized as the 
very God who said to Moses, "I have made thee a 
god to Pharaoh/' This expression refers to Exodus 
iv, 16, where God tells Moses he shall be to his 
brother as God, or " instead of God," implying that 
what Moses received of God, he should communicate 
to his brother, who was to be his spokesman. He 
was to make Pharaoh see the power and feel the 
judgments of God; but there is nothing like the 
nature of God ascribed to Moses. Neither Moses, 
Joshua, or any of the prophets or apostles, are called 
the " mighty God." This appellation belongs to the 
"Son given," "Immanuel," God with us. 

"But he is the Son of God." Yes, and men are 
sometimes called "sons of God;" but this fact does 
not prove that men are sons in the same sense that 
Christ is a Son. So the fact that men are called 
"gods," does not prove that Christ is God in the 
same sense that men are. The same argument that 
will prove him not God, because men are called gods, 
will prove him not the Son, because men are called 



202 EECOLLBCTIONS OF 

sons. He is called the Son of man; meaning that 
lie is truly and properly man, for he had no human 
father; so his being called the Son of God, denotes 
that he is truly and properly God; that he has the 
nature, the attributes, the perfections of God. You 
might as well argue that I am not man, because I am 
the son of a man, as to contend that Christ is not 
God, because he is the Son of God. 

I do not pretend to be deeply skilled in logic, but 
I understand it to be a well-established maxim, that 
any proposition or argument that proves too much, or 
proves a falsehood, proves nothing at all. This is 
certainly the case with the argument of our oppo- 
nents. It proves what is false in proving that Christ 
is not the Son of God, because men are called the 
sons of God. Or if it be said that it only proves 
that Christ and men are gods in the same sense — that 
is, inferior gods, or gods by office — it will still prove 
that they are all "sons" in the same sense, and con- 
tradict the passages that call Christ "the only-begot- 
ten Son." View it as you will, it proves too much, 
and therefore proves nothing. 

My next proof-text is 1 Timothy iii, 16: "And 
without controversy, great is the mystery of godli- 
ness : God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the 
Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, 
believed on in the world, received up into glory." 
There being but the one nominative expressed or 
implied, the plain grammatical construction of the 
passage is, " God was manifest in the flesh, God was 



A SUPERANNUATE. 203 

justified in the Spirit, God was seen of angels, God 
was preached unto the Gentiles, God was believed on 
in the world, God was received up into glory." This 
was all in the person of Christ — the Word which was 
made flesh, and dwelt among us. 

I present one more proof-text: "For by him were 
all things created that are in heaven, and that are in 
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, 
or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things 
were created by him, and for him : and he is before 
all things, and by him all things consist." Col. i, 16, 
17. Our opponents try to break the force of this 
and other texts of like character, by asserting that 
Christ created all things by delegated power; that 
God made him an instrument in this great work. 
But this is false. If Christ had created all things by 
delegated power, he would haye created them for him 
from whom he received the power; but the text says 
"all things were created by him, and for him!" He 
is, therefore, the absolute proprietor of the creation. 
Isaiah — xliv, 4 — bears witness against the idea of cre- 
ation by delegated power : " Thus saith the Lord thy 
Redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I 
am the Lord that maketh all things ; that stretcheth 
forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the 
earth by myself." This was Christ. He is the Lord 
of hosts, the Redeemer of Israel, beside whom there 
is no God or Savior. He created the heavens alone; 
he spread abroad the earth by himself! He employed 
neither agent nor instrument. "For he spake, and 



204 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." He 
is before all things, he created all things, he upholds 
all things, and all things were made by him alone, 
and for him alone. This includes all things visible 
and invisible; all thrones, dominions, principalities, 
and powers, whether they be visible or invisible ; and 
if there can be any thing found throughout the lim- 
itless empire of matter and mincl, which he did not 
make, or which existed before him, then he is not 
God, and this text is not true ! But, till that some- 
thing be found, we will maintain that our adorable 
Christ is he who "stretched out the heavens over 
the north, and hung the earth upon nothing." " As 
for our Kedeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name." 
Whatever others may say, or in whomsoever others 
may trust, I want no Redeemer beside. 

I now close the argument, believing I have made it 
plain to you, that the Jehovah of the Old Testament 
and Jesus Christ of the New Testament, are the same 
identical being, the one true and living Gocl. I have 
given you plain Scripture compared with Scripture, 
all bearing directly on the point. I have given you 
Scripture without garbling or torturing, and if you 
are not satisfied, you would not be satisfied if I had 
quoted many more passages — which might have been 
done if time would have permitted — and now I leave 
the subject with you. But remember this distinctly, 
that if you controvert the subject, your controversy 
is not with me, but with the Bible; if you gainsay 
the doctrine, you gainsay the Bible; and if you 



A SUPERANNUATE. 205 

refute the doctrine, you refute the Bible. I shut 
you up to this faith, and pray God to guide you by 
his Spirit into all truth. And I charge you to keep 
this blessed doctrine without spot, " unrebukable, till 
the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his 
times he shall show who is the blessed and only Po- 
tentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who 
only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproacha- 
ble, whom no man hath seen, nor can see; to whom 
be honor and power everlasting. Amen/ 5 

Prior to the delivery of this discourse, Mr. S 

had crowded audiences; he was looked up to, by 
many, as an oracle, and began to wield a mighty 
influence ; but his next appointment came one 
week after the vindication of our doctrine, when he- 
preached to twelve or fifteen persons, and made no 
more appointments in our place. Gentlemen in the 
place expressed themselves astonished that they had 
permitted themselves to be duped by the sophistical 
arts of this man, in relation to so plain and Scriptural 
a doctrine. He was now vanquished, not by supe- 
rior intellectual prowess, rhetorical niceties, or dex- 
terity in logic, but by the sword of the Spirit, the 
plain word of God. 

I should have mentioned, as connected with my 
first year, on this circuit, that, in making pastoral 
visits, I was not confined to the membership, but 
called at the houses of the irreligious. In visiting a 
certain family of this description, I found the man 
gentlemanly and kind, conversed with him about the 



206 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

interest of his soul, and he listened attentively. Then 
I turned to his wife, and asked her if she had expe- 
rienced religion. She was much offended, and used 
language which I will not repeat ; but, while ven- 
geance gleamed from her keen, black eye, I pressed 
upon her attention the things of the kingdom of God. 
After this, I obtained the privilege, and prayed with 
them, and went on my way, trusting in God. Subse- 
quently, our quarterly meeting w T as held in that 
neighborhood, and the presiding elder leaving on 
Saturday, devolved the duty on me to preach on Sab- 
bath, at 11 o'clock. In those days, this was no small 
responsibility ; but, in the name of the Lord, I lifted 
up my voice, claiming the promise of him who saidj 
" Lo ! I am with you always, even to the end of the 
world.'' In the afternoon w T e had prayer meeting, 
when I delivered an exhortation, and invited peni- 
tents to the altar for prayers. To the astonishment 
of, perhaps, all in the house, this woman who had 
given me to understand that she did not thank me for 
my religious visits, rose up in the congregation, 
rushed forward, and cried aloud for mercy. Thank 
God ! her cry was not unavailing. She found peace 
and joy in believing, and with her husband and 
several others, she united with the Church, and 
became a faithful Christian. This encouraged me to 
follow the divine direction : " Sow thy seed in the 
morning, and in the evening withhold not thy hand ; 
for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether 
this or that, or whether they shall be both alike 



A SUPERANNUATE. 207 

good." We are never to be weary in well-doing, for, 
in due season, we shall reap if we faint not. 

This year, I made a new appointment at the glass- 
works — a fearfully wicked place. At first, there were 
many skeptics, and I felt much embarrassment in 
preaching to them. I had to preach in the morning, 
and meet a society of forty to sixty members, ride 
three miles and preach, meet class, and ride seven 
miles over the sand-plains, to preach here at six in 
the evening. At, perhaps, my third visit, my mental 
sky cleared, my soul warmed into a flame of love, the 
embarrassment was gone, and my tongue made like 
the pen of a ready writer. I became exceedingly 
happy, and a deep, solemn feeling pervaded the audi- 
ence. Ever afterward, I took pleasure in preaching 
at the glass-works, and may say, with humility, that, 
under God's blessing, my labors at that place were 
made instrumental in laying the foundation for a good 
society. 

At one of my preaching-places a Rev. gentleman 
came, crying, " Water, water !" He would feign have 
people think they must not only go into the water, 
but be covered all over with it, or they could not 
enter the kingdom; and some partly believed his 
preaching. He was about to baptize some, and was 
wading about in the water, pouring out anathemas 
upon all who would presume to baptize otherwise than 
by immersion ; when, becoming exceedingly zealous, 
he cried out, " I glory in the water!" Thereupon, 
an old lady upon the shore exclaimed, "I would 



208 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

much rather you would glory in the cross of our Lord 
Jesus Christ I" A good rebuke. Whenever men be- 
come so absorbed with the idea of water salvation, 
they are in danger of neglecting the " blood of 
sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that 
of Abel." I would commend to all such the words 
of Peter, " Baptism is not the putting away of the 
filthiness of the flesh, but the answer of a good con- 
science toward God. 

At another point in this circuit was the strongest 
preacher of Calvinism I have ever known, the Rev. 

Mr. W . He used language which showed him 

to be a genuine Calvinist — one of the pure stock. I 
will give a few of his remarks. Said he, " There are 
but eleven elect in this township ; I am not sure that 
there are that number, though I think there are ; but 
I am certain that there are nine, and I know that I 
am one of them." Again, he said, " You have heard 

that old W has said there are infants in hell not 

a span long, and you said you did not believe old 

W ever said so. Now I tell you there are infants 

in hell, not a span long, and all reprobate infants, 
born or unborn, are damned !" The reader will 
agree that Mr. W was one of the real blue-stock- 
ing sort. He held up the monster to the gaze of all, 
without covering. I commend his honesty, but envy 
not the heart that received such "horrible decrees' ' 
as the Gospel of grace — the glad tidings preached to 
all people! 

Mr. W 's calculation that there were nine or 






A SUPERANNUATE. 209 

eleven elect in the township, reminds me of an anec- 
dote related to me, over forty years ago, of an officer 
in the Eevolutionary army. He was riding through 
one of the New England towns on the Sabbath day, 
when the "tithing-man," accosted him with the infor- 
mation that he must or ought not to travel on the 
Sabbath day. " What shall I do, sir?" said the offi- 
cer. "Go to meeting," said the tithing-man. Said the 
officer, " Meeting ! where is meeting ?" " Up there," 
pointing to the church, said the tithing-man. The 
officer put up his horse at the tavern, and went to 
church. As he went stamping in, the pew-doors flew 
open in every direction, but he fixed his eye upon 
the speaker, and walked half way to the pulpit before 
he sat down. The minister was deeply absorbed in 
his subject — giving the opinions of different men in 
regard to the number that would be saved. It was 
the opinion of some that one out of fifty would be 
saved, others thought it would be only one out of a 
hundred; "but," said he, "I give it as my opinion, 
that not more than one out of five hundred will be 
saved !" At this the officer sprang to his feet, and 
said, " Well, gentlemen, you may have my chance 
for nothing !" and put on his cocked hat, and walked 
out of the house. Now it was perhaps wrong in the 
officer to travel on the Sabbath, and wrong to disturb 
the congregation by speaking and going out ; but it 
was also wrong in the preacher to be calculating the 
number of the elect. Had he been preaching the 

unsearchable riches of Christ, from a full heart, the 

18 



210 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

warm, generous, impulsive heart of the rough old 
officer might have been touched, and his soul humbled 
at the foot of the cross. But the cold, repulsive 
propositions of high-toned Calvinism will always dis- 
gust, and never attract such unsophisticated spirits 
as that old Revolutionary officer. Thank God that 
my feet were disentangled from the meshes of this 
heart-chilling system, in the days of my youth ! I 
then learned that he who sendeth rain upon the just 
and the unjust, whose tender mercies are over all his 
works, who feedeth the young ravens when they cry 
unto him, and supplieth the want of every living 
thing, hath no pleasure in the death of any, but pro- 
vided amply in the death of his only-begotten Son 
for the salvation of every child of man. Then, also, I 
learned that men perish not for Adam's fault, but 
only for rejecting or neglecting the great salvation 
provided in Jesus Christ. 

When my second year on this circuit wound to a 
close, I was constrained to call it a very happy year. 
We had revival influence in our bounds all the year 
round, and many souls were happily converted to 
God. Halleluiah to God! I delight to think of 
those days. They were days of labor and toil, 
but also of great peace and joy. I left many dear 
friends on Bern circuit, never to see them more on 
earth, but with a good hope through grace of meet- 
ing them in heaven, where 

* Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, 
Are felt and fear'd no more." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 211 



CHAPTER XIII. 

KINGSTON CIRCUIT— TWO YEARS. 

In May, 1824, we had a harmonious session of 
conference, in the city of New York. Some time 
previous to this, the presiding elder of the district 
adjoining that in which my work was, the Rev. D. Os- 
trander, called at my house and gave intimation that 
he wanted me on the circuit next below where I then 

was. The Rev. S had a congregation there, and 

many of the people were falling in with his notions, 
and, having been successful in arresting the progress 
of his mischievous sentiments where I lived the pre- 
vious year, it was thought I might be useful in that 
work. I told him I had no objection to the arrange- 
ment, and we parted ; but, at the close of this con- 
ference, I was unexpectedly sent to Kingston circuit. 
This appointment, though contrary to my expecta- 
tion, was entirely satisfactory to me. 

Kingston was a very pleasant town of considera- 
ble size. It had been burned down in the Revolu- 
tionary war, but was rebuilt, mostly of stone ; it was, 
however, rather a hard place for Methodism. In an 
early day, some of our pioneer preachers formed a 
class near town, but the members were severely per- 
secuted, the house in which they met was stoned, the 



212 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

•windows broken in, and finally the place was aban- 
doned, and left without Methodist preaching till 
within two or three years of my appointment to the 
circuit. John D. Moriarty had been enabled then 
to establish an appointment in the place, and a few 
Methodists that lived in the town and vicinity, deter- 
mined to build a house for God. It was mostly done 
by three men — brothers O'Neal, Hitt, and Jacobus — 
was not large, but neat and well finished. Brother 
John Kennedy was my colleague. This w T as his 
second year in the ministry, and his second year on 
this circuit. He was quite a promising young man ; 
but I need not speak further of him, as he is now 
extensively known as Dr. Kennedy, and was an 
active member of the General conference which 
recently sat in Indianapolis, Indiana. We labored 
together harmoniously, both living in Kingston, and 
preached there twice on every other Sabbath. We 
were looked upon as miserable heretics in doctrine, 
and every effort w T as made to prevent the people 
from hearing us preach ; but, at night especially, 
they would come out to hear for themselves. In this 
way our doctrines and usages became better under- 
stood, prejudices gave way, and we were listened to 
with patience and attention. The settled minister 
was a rigid Calvinist, and frequently lectured his 
people against countenancing us with their presence 
in our meetings. One day he had a minister from 
Long Island to fill his pulpit, and, having no after- 
noon appointment, I went to his church. He preached 



A SUPERANNUATE. 213 

a doctrinal sermon, laboring to establish the idea of 
a limited atonement. He maintained tha.t Christ died 
not for the world, but for God's " dear children" — 
said this was more comforting than Arminianism, etc. 
That night I preached in our church, and had a large 
number of the same hearers. I took opposite ground, 
and dwelt on the universality of the atonement. I 
expressed astonishment that men could have hardi- 
hood enough to stand up and assert, in direct con- 
tradiction to the holy Scriptures, that Christ died 
not for the whole world, but for God's children only. 
Then, drawing out the Scripture argument at length, 
I told the people I should believe the Bible on this 
subject, in preference to the say-so of five hundred 
of those men fresh from Andover College. This 
effort had the desired effect. The plain word of God 
impressed many hearts, and, under the all-command- 
ing motives of the sublime doctrine that Jesus Christ, 
by the grace of God, tasted death for every man, 
quite a number were led to the cross, happily con- 
verted, and united with the Church under our care. 

We found, in this work, quite a number of old- 
fashioned Methodists. These were noble spirits, who 
served God from principle, and labored to sustain the 
cause of God, by supporting the ministry, and in 
every way contributing to the advancement of relig- 
ion in their midst. In Marbletown, w^e had a small 
house, small congregation, and small society, but 
strong opposition. People seemed to think they had 
a right to do as they pleased when they attended our 



214 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

services. For example : A young man came into the 
church one Sabbath, laid down flat on his back, threw 
his feet over the bench, and lay there grinning, gap- 
ing, and showing his teeth, as if he were teaching 
grinning school, and considered himself a perfect 
model for the imitation of his pupils. After he had 
exhibited in this way for some time, I paused, and 
then remarked in substance as follows: "If that 
young man is sick, I would thank some of those 
young men near him to help him out and to assist 
him home ; he may need a physician, for he seems to 
be in great distress." The remarks had some effect 
in improving his manners, and in restraining the im- 
pudence of others. "It takes all sorts of people to 
make every body," says some one; but what every 
body are fit for is, perhaps, very difficult to tell. At 
all events, many act as though they were fit for noth- 
ing else, and had no higher aim in life than to annoy 
those who try to do better than themselves. 

In this circuit, also, I found some Baptist brethren 
who were exceedingly zealous for having the water 
applied in the right form, in the act of baptism. 
While engaged in pastoral visiting, I fell in company 
with one who introduced this subject. I informed 
him that I came there to preach the Gospel, that I 
sought no controversy, but should always vindicate 
the usages of my Church when they were assailed. 
"Well," said he, "if we follow the example of our 
Savior, we know we are right ; and if we do not, we 
know we are wrong," "Well, Christ was circum- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 215 

eised," said I, "and you do not follow his example; 
therefore, you know you are wrong." "Ah," said 
he, "that was not Christ's own act — it was done for 
him when he was a child." "Then I will give you 
another," said I. "Christ continued all night in 
prayer; you do not follow his example, and, there- 
fore, you know you are in the wrong." And here is 
another : " Christ kept the Jewish Sabbath all his life ; 
you do not follow his example, and you are, there- 
fore, wrong." Again: "When Christ ate the Passover 
and instituted the sacrament of the Lord's supper, he 
did it in the night, in an upper room; and if you 
follow his example, you must take that sacrament in 
the night, in an upper room; but you do not do it, 
therefore, you know you are wrong." He was led to 
discover that all the forms and incidental circum- 
stances connected with the original administration of 
the Christian ordinances, are not essential to the va- 
lidity of the ordinances themselves. We had no fur- 
ther disputing on the subject. He was a kind, pious, 
and generally well-informed man, but inclined to put 
a little too much dependence in the water. His oldest 
daughter attended our meetings, was awakened, con- 
verted, joined the Methodist Church, and continued a 
faithful Christian as long as I knew her. 

We had some precious seasons on the circuit, and 
witnessed the conversion of a goodly number of souls. 
As the year drew to a close, I commenced making 
new class-books, setting aside such as were delinquent 
and could not be reclaimed, and admitting such as 



216 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

had stood out acceptably their term of probation. 
This I deem important, that at the close of each year 
such disciplinary work as this should all be done up 
clean and fair, as far as it is possible to do it. I 
found myself much attached to this people, and 
wound up the year pleasantly, it having been a year 
of reasonable prosperity in the Church, and took my 
leave only for a short time, fully expecting to return 
the second time, as I had always done, excepting the 
first year, when I was stationed upon the Island, and 
wished to leave at the end of the first year. 

I was not disappointed in my expectations. At the 
close of the conference of May, 1825, held in Troy, 
N. Y., I was returned to Kingston, with F. W. Smith 
for my colleague. He was a young man of some 
standing in the conference, of good mind, well dis- 
posed, but possessed of a good deal of vivacity, which 
sometimes betrayed him into lightness of conversa- 
tion. But thirty years of toil have doubtless put the 
" curb-bit" upon the sprightliness of his temper; and 
if this little volume should fall into his hands, he will 
read and smile at the remembrance of days long since 
past. I have no fear that he will take offense at these 
remarks. I knew him well, and feel satisfied that he 
now views the matter of which I speak in the same 
light here presented. God grant that we may meet 
in heaven ! We labored together like brethren, in 
perfect concord, throughout the year. Since then he 
has filled some important stations in the Church. 

This year, I rented a house and moved my family 



A SUPERANNUATE. 217 

to Saugerties, twelve miles from Kingston. Here, 
near the mouth of Esop's creek, were falls, which 
afforded excellent water-power privileges for mills 
and machinery. A company from New York city 
made an extensive purchase, commenced business on 
a large scale, employing from fifty to one hundred 
hands, and paying good wages. Two of my sons 
engaged more or less of their time with this com- 
pany, and my house was filled with boarders ; this 
necessarily increased my care, but never hindered 
me from my prayers at home, nor from my duties 
on the circuit. My wife's parents had moved to 
Ohio about fourteen years previous to this, and they 
often wrote, urging us to come out and live and 
die near to them. They wrote in glowing terms of 
the advantages that men with growing families might 
derive by coming to this state; and inasmuch as 
my family was growing, my own health considerably 
impaired, and my private means nearly all spent, I 
felt, after weighing the matter in all its bearings, 
that it was my indispensable duty to make an effort 
for providing better for my family than I could 
possibly do in the bounds of the New York con- 
ference ; and, feeling thus, I saw no alternative but 
removal to the state of Ohio. I think I never pos- 
sessed a whining disposition — but I must tell the 
reader that much of the time, while traveling in 
that conference, I was so pressed for means of 
support as scarcely to know which way to turn ; 

I wore patched clothing, and rode many a day with- 

19 



218 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

out dinner, because my family had need of every 
cent I could save. While on this subject, I will say 
that I have passed through scenes of suffering from 
filth, insects, open cabins, swamps, swimming creeks, 
insults, etc., enough to fill a volume ; but this is not 
my object. I count not the sufferings of this life 
worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be 
revealed in us, or even with what God has permitted 
me to enjoy all along the pathway in which his 
providence hath led me. While I write, my heart 
rises up in thankfulness to Him for his great good- 
ness, and his wonderful w T orks to the children of mem 
I feel like laying down my pen and shouting his 
high praises ! Glory to God and the Lamb forever ! 
But, notwithstanding my resolution to emigrate to 
the state of Ohio, with a view to improving the con- 
dition of my family, my heart was as fully as ever 
in the work in which I had been engaged for seven- 
teen years. 

In regard to the work on the circuit, I will say 
that we enjoyed peace and harmony in our borders 
through all the year, and we had some good 
revivals of religion. We had two glass-works 
appointments on this circuit. In order to reach 
one of these, we had to ascend a mountain for about 
three miles, and when we were there the land seem- 
ingly stood up edgewise. There was a large society 
here, but the members were poor, very poor, as 
regards this world's good ; yet, many of them were 
rich in faith, and heirs of a kingdom. They were 



A SUPERANNUATE. 219 

truly pious, and always glad to see the preacher, 
and make him as comfortable as they were able. 
But their good will and warm hearts would not 
screen him from the piercing wind and biting cold. 
Often did my back, limbs, and toes ache with 
cold, beneath their friendly roofs. I said to one, 
" Brother, why do you stay here upon the mountain, 
where the land stands edgewise, and the rocks cover 
the surface ?" Said he, " We are too poor to get 
away." He actually believed he was, and I told 
him he always would be as poor, if he remained 
there, and that I believed it was intruding on the 
wolves and bears to occupy such places — that God 
never designed them for human habitations, for he 
had spread out rich, fertile plains and valleys suffi- 
cient for the wants of the race ; and that I, for one, 
intended to go to the wide west, the coming year, 
the Lord willing. It does seem that some men are 
almost afraid to venture beyond sight of the smoke 
of the cabin in which they were born, and, to the 
permanent injury of their families, cleave to the 
knobs and hill-sides of their nativity, when they 
might, with a little industrious effort, establish them- 
selves in independent circumstances upon some of 
the broad fields which yet lie in a state of nature. 

Although we preached at this place on week- 
day, we had a good-sized congregation of attentive 
hearers. Poverty did not prevent the people from 
loving and enjoying the means of grace. " The poor 
have the Gospel preached to them;" and I doubt 



220 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

not that many from these hill-sides and mountain 
peaks, will ascend to heaven, while rich, ungodly 
sinners, from their costly mansions and splendid 
farms, will sink down to the gulf of perdition. Dear 
reader, think of this — think how terrible it is to 
exchange the luxuries of life for the quenchless fire 
and the undying worm ! I pray God to send his 
Holy Spirit to thy heart, this moment! Thou art 
my brother, my sister, redeemed by my Savior's 
blood, and I desire to see thee saved high up in 
heaven ! I will be clear of thy blood ! I once more 
pray God to have mercy on thy never-dying soul ! 

As the time of my departure from this field drew 
near, I found myself more and more attached to 
this people. Many of them were strong in the Lord 
and in the power of his might. More than thirty 
years have passed since I gave them the parting 
hand, yet I still have them in my heart. Through 
the grace of God, I hope to meet them on the other 
side of Jordan's stream. Some of them have gone 
on before, and while I sing — 

"On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, 

And cast a wishful eye, 
To Canaan's fair and happy land, 

Where my possessions lie," 

I fancy their response comes wafted by the gales 
of Paradise — 

"All o'er these wide- extended plains, 

Shines one eternal day; 
Here God, the Son, forever reigns, 
And scatters night away." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 221 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MOVE WEST— LOCATE— EMPLOYED BY THE ELDER. 

In May, 1826, the session of the New York con- 
ference was held in the city of New York. Having 
made up my mind to move west, and having been 
cordially invited by friends in the city, to bring my 
wife with me to conference, I concluded to do so, as 
this would, in all probability, be her last opportunity 
of visiting that city. We were kindly entertained at 
the house of brother Palmer, who, with his amiable 
family, took delight in entertaining the servants of 
Christ on such occasions. Brother P. was blessed 
with an abundance of this world's goods, and placed 
a horse, carriage, and driver, at our disposal, every 
day of our sojourn in the city. This arrangement 
was very agreeable to Mrs. Lewis, as she had never 
before been in the city, and was thereby enabled to 
visit all the places of interest, and form some tolera- 
ble idea of the extent and situation of this great 
emporium. 

I attended this session with intense interest, as it 
was the last time I expected to meet with the New 
York conference. The thought of leaving the hon- 
ored fathers, who had instructed me in the great prin- 



222 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

ciples of Christianity, and the younger brethren, with 
whom I had been associated, in the work of the min- 
istry, perhaps no more to meet on earth, together 
with the consideration that I was about to take a step 
which would, probably, result in dissolving my rela- 
tion to the Church, as a traveling preacher, excited, 
in my mind, reflections of a thrilling character. But I 
saw no alternative. The decisive step must be taken. 
My family had been laboring for months, in keeping 
boarders, teaching school, hauling lumber, and blast- 
ing rocks, for the purpose of raising means to carry 
us to Ohio, and I felt, that, as the best of my life had 
been given to the Church, my health was declining, 
and the Church was failing to give a sufficient com- 
pensation to meet the wants of my growing family, it 
was now my imperative duty to turn my attention to 
the cultivation of the rich soil of the west. I had 
been bred to farming, regarded it as a healthful and 
honorable employment, and was rather pleased with 
the idea of digging my support out of the earth. 
Hence, when my character came under examination, 
I arose and stated my purpose to the conference, and 
was immediately granted a supernumerary relation, 
with liberty to carry out my intention of moving to 
Ohio. I also received a certificate of this action of 
the conference, signed by Bishop George, the pre- 
siding officer. I have, before, spoken of Bishop 
George, as a favorite preacher. He was a man of 
strong, discriminating mind, a good presiding officer, 
an amiable companion, and a deeply-pious Christian. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 223 

I had the pleasure of rooming with him during one 
or two conference sessions, and was not only inter- 
ested, but highly delighted with him. I also attended 
a camp meeting in company with him, and found him 
a warm-hearted, diligent laborer in his Master's vine- 
yard. I saw him frequently down upon his knees, 
encouraging the mourners, and pointing them to the 
Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. 
While others were praying, he would often respond, 
Amen, with much emphasis ; and, sometimes he 
would lift up his clear, melodious voice, crying out, 
"0, for the descent of the Holy Ghost!" And, 
when he prayed, it was evident that his prayer en- 
tered the ear of the Lord God of Sabaoth, for answers 
were so manifest, that the most skeptical were made 
to tremble. His great power in the pulpit has been 
attributed, by some, to his deep feeling, and strong 
sympathy. This was not the only source of his power ; 
he possessed the elements of genuine oratory — a voice 
of fine compass and variety, a clear, well-cultivated 
mind, and a wonderful knowledge of the human pas- 
sions. Added to all this, was his love for the souls 
of men, his fervency of spirit, and the unction of the 
Holy One. I could say much more, but will not in- 
dulge. My feelings of respect, for the memory of 
this devoted servant of Christ, whose praise should be 
in all the Churches, would not permit me to say less. 
I talked with the Bishop in regard to the country 
to which I was about to move. He told me there was 
abundance of mud, and few improvements; "but," 



224 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

said he, "if a man have plenty of boys to work, he 
may do well, and it is a fine country for Methodists!" 
This was what I wanted to hear ; I was only about 
forty years of age — had not forgotten how to work — 
had some boys, and expected to contend, in common 
with others, with the difficulties peculiar to a newly- 
settled country. I took leave of the conference, went 
home, and commenced preparations for the journey. 
I had to visit, and bid farewell to my aged father, 
and other relatives and friends, where I was reared. 
This duty was to me a severe trial. Here were the 
hills over which my youthful feet had rambled, the 
companions of my childhood, my youth, and of my 
riper years, with whom I had mingled in friendly 
intercourse, all my life ; the old school-house, in 
which I had been taught, and to which I had so 
often run an entire mile, after doing the chores of 
the morning, lest I should lose a lesson; and here, 
too, were the numerous disciples of Christ, whose 
acquaintance I had made as a minister of the Gos- 
pel — all these were now to be left, with the numerous 
associations that clustered around them, for a home 
among strangers in the western wilds. I thought of 
the words of St. Paul, " And now behold, I know 
that, ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the 
kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." With 
emotions of no ordinary sensibility, I bade adieu to 
my father and friends. Resting in the promise that 
God would protect us in the line of duty, I pro- 
nounced the word, Farewell. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 225 

On the 4th day of July, 1826, the fiftieth anniver- 
sary of American Independence — a day suggestive 
of patriotism, heroic suffering, brilliant triumph, lib- 
erty and success — we started for the state of Ohio. 
A two-horse wagon held the few things we brought, 
and most of the family ; while my wife, daughter, 
and myself, came in a light carriage, drawn by my 
old circuit horse. We made our way through New 
Jersey, into Pennsylvania, passing through Nazareth 
township, which I thought the most delightful spot 
of country I had ever seen. The face of the coun- 
try was fine, the soil good, and in a state of high 
cultivation, with beautiful groves of timber with the 
underbrush cleared aw T ay, so that teams could pass 
freely in every direction. Taken altogether, it 
looked like a little paradise. On the first Saturday 
evening, we put up with a local preacher. On Sun- 
day morning, I rode out with him some three or four 
miles, and preached to his congregation ; came back 
and preached in the village at five o'clock. The next 
morning, I proposed to pay my bill, but he thought 
we were about even, and refused pay ; so we took 
leave of this kind friend, and moved on slowly toward 
our western home. The next Saturday night brought 
us to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Brother Griffin, of the 
Baltimore conference, was the stationed preacher at 
this place, and his quarterly meeting commenced 
that evening. Upon learning who I was, he in- 
quired where I put up ; I told him at the tavern. 
"Well," said he, "we have plenty of friends in this 



226 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

place, and would be glad to have you stay to the 
meeting.' ' Brother G. soon had us away from the 
tavern, among Methodists, who received us gladly, 
and made us feel at home. That evening the pre- 
siding elder invited me to preach, giving me my 
choice between that night and the next morning. I 
took the night appointment. The next morning the 
elder preached an excellent sermon, and urged me 
to preach again at night; this I did to a crowded 
congregation, and humbly trust some good was 
effected. On Monday morning the kind friends 
insisted that we should stay to their love-feast, and 
rest ourselves and teams another day. We con- 
sented; and the love-feast in Carlisle, proved very 
similar to such meetings where I had traveled. 
Methodism is one throughout the wide-spread con- 
nection, and nothing contributes more to her unity 
and spirituality than these feasts of love. 

On Tuesday morning we bade adieu to those 
friends, whose hospitality we had shared, promising 
to write them after our journey was ended — a prom- 
ise which, owing to the press of business, and the 
numerous cares connected with settling in a new 
country, was neglected from time to time, and never 
fulfilled. Should this little work ever fall into the 
hands of those friends, they will learn that their 
kindnesses have never been forgotten. 

The next Sabbath was spent in the Alleghany 
Mountains, without the privileges of public worship. 
Another weary week rolled round, and the Sabbath 



A SUPERANNUATE. 227 

dawned upon us in the state of Virginia. Here we 
had no opportunity of attending divine service, but 
the young people began collecting at an early hour, 
at the public house where we were staying, for the 
purpose of having a dance ! Upon ascertaining the 
character of the gathering, we hitched up and drove 
a few miles to another tavern, where we rested in 
quietness till Monday morning. How terrible the 
thought that men and women should spend the holy 
Sabbath in dancing their souls to hell! I am no 
friend to dancing. It is attended with evil, and only 
evil, and that continually. No good ever comes of 
it. The Baptist lost his head through the freaks of 
a dancing damsel! But many apologize for it on 
the ground that it is conducive to health. Exercise 
is good ; but if the young ladies would get up the 
big spinning-wheel, and exercise upon that, as their 
mothers used to do ; or if they would engage in other 
useful employments, which they might do, without 
sacrificing; their dignity, they would never die for 
want of exercise, nor find it necessary to resort to 
any such foolish capering, in order to develop the 
muscular system. "But then it teaches politeness." 
"Well, politeness is " good-breeding," gentility, or 
elegance of manners ; but how the true refinement 
of mind and heart necessary to politeness, is to be 
learned in the ball-room, is a mystery I can not 
solve. And I give it as my solemn judgment, that 
I have never marked any difference in the manners 
of dancers and others, only that they are fonder of 



228 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

frivolity, fun, novel-reading, and nonsense, than those 
who do not dance* But, perhaps, since the practice 
has been taught morality, and, under a new cogno- 
men, has been christened and introduced into respect- 
able "institutions ," it will be best to drop the subject. 
I could not give the reader who never saw them, 
an adequate idea of the roads over which we passed, 
in crossing the Mountains ; and those who have wit- 
nessed the bluffs, ravines, and rocks, which make up 
the variety of scenery through those huge elevations 
of the earth, have no need of description. Day after 
day, we moved along, cheered with the assurance 
that every ascent or descent we passed, brought us 
a little nearer the land of our ardent hopes. Some- 
times I would drive ahead, unhitch my faithful 
horse, go back and assist the other team up the 
steep, and then, after resting beneath the shade of 
the majestic trees, hitch up and resume our regular 
gait. At length, we found ourselves in Wheeling, 
Virginia, and lost but little time in crossing the 
Ohio, when we found ourselves in the state which 
we were adopting as our future home. But here 
we found even steeper ascents and descents than 
any we passed in the mountains. Still we " scrab- 
bled" on, till we arrived within about forty miles of 
Zanesville, where we hired a man with a team to 
help us to that place. Thence we made our way, 
through Granville, to Berkshire, Delaware county, 
Ohio. Here we met Mrs. Lewis's father, and two 
brothers, from whom she had been separated four- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 229 

teen years. I need not speak of the happiness of 
that meeting. Suffice it to say that the whole neigh- 
borhood gave us a hearty welcome, and urged us to 
partake of their hospitalities. Such open-hearted 
friendship from strangers, is only to be met with in 
new countries, where artificial refinements, and sordid 
selfishness, have not yet taken full possession of the 
people. 

We arrived at our destination on Friday, after 
being on the road about five weeks. I was immedi- 
ately called on to preach; the appointment was an- 
nounced, and, on Sabbath, I preached my first ser- 
mon in Ohio. This was about the middle of August. 
Among my hearers that day were old brother Janes 
and his wife, two of my old friends, while stationed 
on the island in Lake Champlain. He invited me to 
preach, the next Sabbath, in his barn ; I did so, and 
had a good congregation for a new country. I soon 
had pressing invitations from the surrounding neigh- 
borhoods, to visit and preach among them. Thus, it 
will be perceived that I did not become settled in 
my new home till I was at my old, favorite business, 
preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. 

Two things seemed to operate to bring my services 
into demand : First, I came all the way from the New 
York conference ; and, secondly, I had a clear, smooth 
voice. People are fond of new things, and they were, 
perhaps, more pleased with the sound than with the 
substance of my preaching. But I ought also to 
add, that they were not, in those days, possessed of 



230 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

"itching ears;" they looked not with critical eye 
upon the rhetoric of the man, but waited for the 
bread of life and the power of the Holy Ghost. We 
worshiped God with singleness of heart, and had 
glorious times together in this wilderness land. 

In about three weeks after our arrival at Berkshire, 
the quarterly meeting for Columbus circuit was held 
in the loft of brother Carpenter's large mill; brother 
Jacob Young presiding elder, and brothers Joseph 
Carper and J. H. Power, the circuit preachers. I 
attended, and, after being introduced to the preach- 
ers, brother Young invited me to preach on Saturday, 
at eleven o'clock. I dwelt, with some liberty, upon 
the words of our Savior, John xv, 14: "Ye are my 
friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." The 
next morning, we had love-feast; here I found conge- 
nial spirits, and as the brethren and sisters sketched 
their experience, I felt that these were children of 
my Father in heaven. From that day to this, I 
have felt at home among Ohio Methodists. Brother 
Young desired me to preach again at, eleven, on Sab- 
bath. I took for my text, " When the unclean spirit 
is gone out of a man," etc. A Presbyterian brother 
present said to one of his brethren, "If the doctrine 
preached to-day is correct, ours is wrong; and I 
think he proved his position from the Bible." This 
man searched the Scriptures, till he was satisfied of 
the correctness of our doctrines, and then offered 
himself for membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. His subsequent life evinced that he was a 



A SUPERANNUATE. 231 

man of God. On Saturday night, Mrs. Lewis and 
myself were invited to stay with Mr. Dustin. We 
formed a delightful acquaintance with him and his 
kind companion. They made no profession of relig- 
ion, but were agreeable, generous friends; and the 
friendship then formed remains permament. But, 
some time after this, Mrs. D. died, and I preached 
her funeral; Mr. D. sought and obtained religion 
some years ago, and is now a prominent member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

When we arrived at Berkshire, we had fifteen dol- 
lars left, with which to furnish our house, lay in pro- 
visions, etc.; but we knew how, and felt willing, to 
work, and were soon at it. We lived, the first six 
months, in a room furnished by my brother-in-law. 
I sold my old circuit horse and carriage, and bought 
fifty acres of land. The next step was to get up a 
house. We went at it in good earnest, and I take 
pleasure in acknowledging the kindness of friends, 
who rendered me efficient aid. They turned out with 
axes and teams, cut and hauled logs, brick, and lum- 
ber, and soon we had a good cabin, neatly finished. 
After moving into it, on the 14th of May, 1827, we 
bowed the knee, and lifted up our hearts to God in 
thanksgiving, that we were permitted to make a be- 
ginning in this new country. I had written to the 
New York conference for a location ; this was granted 
on the 17th of May, three days after we moved into 
our new cabin. Of course, I was now known as a 
local preacher. I had before sustained that relation 



232 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

to the Church; but I have never been a local preacher 
only nominally. I was employed on a circuit before 
I had license to preach, and when I obtained license 
on Saturday, I started on the next Monday for my 
circuit. The year I located, I rode some twelve hun- 
dred miles, and preached from one to six sermons 
per week, winter and summer. Almost every day 
brought some sort of call. Funerals, protracted 
meetings, quarterly and camp meetings, beside ordi- 
nary Sabbath appointments, made demand for nearly 
my whole time. Sometimes I would tell them I could 
not go; but they would insist, till off would come the 
harness from my team, and away I went to seek the 
salvation of some for whom the Savior shed his 
blood. 

I attended a camp meeting above Delaware, not 
far from Marion. Here I was remarkably aided by 
Divine grace, while holding up the only condition of 
discipleship, from Matthew xvi, 24: "If any man 
will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up 
his cross, and follow me." The glory of the Lord 
overshadowed the assembly, and, at the close of the 
sermon, three-fourths of the audience were upon their 
feet, crowding toward the stand. To thy name, 
Lord, be all the glory forever ! 

Some time after this, two brethren from Knox 
county, over twenty miles distant, came to induce 
me to make arrangements for preaching regularly in 
their neighborhood. I told them I could not go. 
They replied that I would have to board them a 



A SUPERANNUATE. 233 

week, if I did not consent sooner. I informed them 
that my purpose in coming west was to raise my own 
bread ; that I wished to labor, " working with my own 
hands/*' and was determined, with the blessing of 
Providence, to accumulate a little for after years. 
But they were willing to remunerate me for my time. 
My next excuse was, I had sold my circuit horse, and 
had no beast fit to ride. In reply to this, one brother 
said he had an excellent riding nag, and would ex- 
change with me. At length I yielded, and sent an 
appointment. I continued riding out there, through 
the woods and mud, regularly during the year. That 
same season, I attended a camp meeting on "Black 
Lick" — preached from Luke xiii, 24: " Strive to 
enter in at the strait gate : for many, I say unto you, 
will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.*' The 
meeting, upon the whole, was an interesting one. 
Here I made the acquaintance of Rev. Samuel Car- 
penter, a local preacher, and his lady. Our inter- 
course was pleasant then, and remains unchanged to 
this day. I attended another meeting on the same 
ground, and preached from Christ's address to the 
young man who had great possessions: "If thou wilt 
be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the 
poor," etc. Both of these meetings were profitable 
to the Church, and many were awakened and con- 
verted to God. Once more I thank God for camp 
meetings ! 

In March, 1829, I went to Columbus to attend 

our quarterly meeting. Rev. L. Swormstedt was on 

20 



234 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the circuit, and Rev. D. Young the presiding elder. 
Brother Young said to me, " I am glad to see you ; 
I want to employ you to fill a vacancy/' My reply 
was, " I can not go." He then read me a letter 
he had received from Rev. C. Springer, informing 
him, that he should do no work on the circuit — 
Fairfield— after the next quarterly meeting, that 
he intended to withdraw from the Church, etc.; he 
then read his reply to this epistle. He acknowl- 
edged the receipt of brother S.'s letter, thanked 
him for the timely notice given of his intentions, 
informed him that his labors would be dispensed 
with after a certain date ; adding, " If your conduct 
is satisfactory to yourself, I shall take no umbrage 
at it." 

Mr. Springer, it will be recollected, was one of 
the leading spirits in the Radical secession. He 
had written for the "Mutual Rights," agitated the 
subject of " reform " extensively, labored hard to 
break down the presiding eldership and episcopacy, 
tormented himself with imaginary oppressions and 
evils, till his soul was completely imbittered against 
the Church of his early choice and first love, and 
now he determined to leave, expecting to see the 
results of his toil, and the proofs of his magic influ- 
ence, in the sweeping numbers that would rush after 
him into the new organization. At this point, he 
was sadly disappointed. Comparatively few followed 
him ; many were disaffected in feeling, for a time, 
but the larger part discovered the folly of secession, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 235 

and refused to run off after abstractions. They 
soon became reconciled to the policy of the Church, 
stood firm, and prospered. If outward indications 
are to be relied on, Mr. S. has lived to see the 
day when he felt as little at home among "Rad- 
icals, J> as he ever did in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church ; he has found abundant use for his talent 
of fault-finding, and not a few of his brethren have 
been made to feel the withering power of his sarcasm. 

After reading these letters, brother Young insisted, 
saying, "JSTow you have the whole matter before 
you; the circuit is large, it contains many excellent 
members, some of them have their minds poisoned, 
and I want a man who has had some experience, to 
counteract the mischievous influence." My answer 
was, that it would damage me pecuniarily not 
less than a hundred dollars, and I could not go. 
Brother Swornistedt had previously traveled the cir- 
cuit, and he urged me not to refuse. I yielded, 
and in ten days was off to the work. The quarterly 
meeting was held in Somerset ; and on the clay of 
its commencement I arrived in the place. That 
night I opened my ministry from 2 Tim. ii, 19 : 
" Xevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure," 
etc. I had some light, but not much liberty. Our 
meeting was tolerably good, though some excitement 
prevailed on the subject of " Radicalism." 

I was now fairly upon Fairfield circuit, with brother 
Jacob Young, preacher in charge. At that time this 
circuit extended into Fairfield, Licking, and Perry 



236 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

counties, including the territory now embraced in 
Lancaster and Somerset stations, Rushville, West 
Rushville, Rehoboth, Baltimore, and Hebron circuits. 
We found, as already intimated, a good many whose 
minds were soured and strongly tinctured with 
radical notions, and our first aim was to " heal the 
breach/' Brother Young administered the dicipline 
judiciously, and with mildness, and I co-operated 
with him as best I could, seeking to keep the minds 
of the people on the cross of Christ, as well as to 
exhibit the beauty and efficiency of our Church 
polity. I preached at all the appointments, met the 
classes, and after class meeting would give a short 
lecture on the peculiarities of our Church government. 
I also sought private conversations with the dis- 
affected ones, met their objections as well as I could, 
and in a short time we had the pleasure of seeing 
many that were leaning over, righted up again, and 
quietness generally restored. Mr. Springer traveled 
all over our bounds, preaching, visiting and laboring 
to propagate his faith, but only succeeded in organ- 
izing one class in our territory. That consisted 
of eleven members, and the brother they elected 
leader, the first time we preached where he formerly 
belonged, came forward, and with tears in his eyes, 
begged that his name might not be taken off the 
class-book; and that, I believe, was about the last 
of the class. 

Shortly after commencing labor on this circuit, 
I discovered that, notwithstanding I had been preach- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 237 

ing from one to six times per week, the world was 
gaining too strong a hold upon my mind, and 
that my spirituality had proportionably declined. 
Then I concluded I must be a traveling preacher, 
or lose my soul. The world dwindled into insignifi- 
cance, and I was enabled to say to its charms, fare- 
well. I now determined to give my whole time to 
the work, drop the world, and trust all in the hands 
of God. " What shall it profit a man, if he gain 
the whole world, and lose his own soul?" This 
solemn interrogatory was impressed with great force 
upon my heart. And I thank God that it was so ; 
for, had I continued in secular employ, succeeded 
in business, accumulated property, and, consequently, 
fallen under the influence of worldly maxims and 
policy, the good Being only knows what the result 
would have been. But, in the providence of God, 
when this opening occurred, the good brethren 
pressed me to enter into the " open door." Here 
the cloud gathering in the spiritual heavens was 
revealed, and before the Sun of righteousness was 
hid from my vision, faith prevailed, and the impend- 
ing storm was averted. The shadow of a cloud 
passed over my soul, and I was again light in the 
Lord. " What shall I render unto the Lord for 
all his benefits toward me ? I will take the cup 
of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 
I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the 
presence of all his people." 

At the close of the year, in company with my 



238 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

worthy colleague, I started to attend the session of 
the Ohio conference, which was to be held in Urbana. 
On our way, we attended brother Swormstedt's camp 
meeting, about one and a half miles below Columbus. 
The meeting was a deeply-interesting one. Brother 
Swormstedt was a good presiding officer, kept fine 
order, and was not opposed to shouting, when the 
people were ready to shout, being full of God. At 
this meeting I preached from Ephesians iii, 7-9. The 
Spirit helped my infirmities, and the grove was made 
vocal with the high praises of God. The camp meet- 
ing over, we went on to conference. This being the 
first session I attended in Ohio, was specially inter- 
esting to me. I formed acquaintance with many of 
the preachers, found them like those I left behind — 
men of God, sweetly united in the work of saving 
souls. The cordial welcome they gave me, made me 
feel that I was among brethren beloved. Thank 
heaven that it was my lot to become identified with 
these lovely men of God ! 



A SUPERANNUATE. 239 



CHAPTER XV. 

DELAWARE CIRCUIT — ONE YEAR. 

My name was now presented for re-admission into 
the traveling connection. My health had been some- 
what impaired, by an attack of influenza, and some 
of the brethren thought I would not be able to endure 
the hardships of an itinerant life, in the west. The 
conference hesitated ; just then the Rev. John Collins 
made some remarks on the subject — said he believed 
I was as able for the work as he was, when he was 
received, etc.; I was admitted, and appointed to the 
Delaware circuit, in company with brother S. P. 
Shaw. My colleague was dissatisfied with his ap- 
pointment. On this account, his usefulness was hin- 
dered, in the forepart of the year, but, in the latter 
part, he did well. Rev. R. Bigelow was our presiding 
elder. I became acquainted with him when he was a 
boy, at his father's house, in Lower Canada. But he 
is too well known to need further notice from me. I 
will only add, that I can bear witness, from personal 
knowledge of his life and spirit, that, as a preacher, 
a diligent laborer, a man, and a meek disciple of 
Christ, he was all that others have said of him, and, 
even more. His name is embalmed in the hearts of 
all that knew him. 



240 RECOLLECTIONS OP 

This was a heavy circuit. We had thirty-three 
appointments to be filled every twenty-eight days ; 
and, when I say the roads were extremely bad, the 
old pioneers will* know precisely what I mean. We 
went six miles above Bucyrus, and six miles below 
Delaware. Twice, during the winter, I was caught 
above Bucyrus, when heavy rains fell, covering the 
whole surface of the country with water, followed by 
severe cold, which made the roads a glare of ice. I 
rode thirty or forty miles when there was scarcely a 
rod not covered with it. We passed out through the 
beech woods, over the Salt Section, and down below 
Delaware. These trips were trying to man and 
horse. In Delaware, we preached in the court-house. 
We had a good congregation, and an excellent so- 
ciety. There were about sixty or seventy members, 
and they all met together for class. I never favored 
this plan, but it was very difficult then to " divide 
each society into smaller companies, called classes, " 
as the Discipline directs. I recollect meeting class 
here, one day after preaching, when a number spoke 
of their desire to die happy. A good old Welsh 
brother arose and said, he heard a number express 
much concern about dying happy; "but," said he, 
" I have no anxiety about dying, my anxiety is all 
about living ; for I know I shall die right, if I only 
live right." This is both Scriptural and philosophical. 
Many give themselves unnecessary pain about the 
dying hour. If all the anxious thought that is be- 
stowed upon that point, were directed to a proper 



A SUPERANNUATE. 241 

regulation of the life, many more would die happy 
than really do. The true servants of Christ, need not 
be, " through fear of death, all their life-time subject 
to bondage." Only let this thought, " that, if we 
live right, we shall be sure to die right," become a 
matter of veritable faith, of fixed conviction, and we 
may be delivered from that servile fear, which hath 
torment. God help us to live for eternity ! 

At one point on the circuit, I experienced some 
difficulty in administering discipline. A man, highly 
esteemed among his neighbors, opposed me ; but, as 
he is now done with the contentions of this life, I 
would only remark, that, however much the brethren 
respected this man, they proved, by rallying to its 
support, that they loved the Church more ; and, by 
firmly co-operating together, we succeeded in carry- 
ing out the principles of Methodism. If discipline 
must be enforced, it is cheering to the preacher's 
heart, to find the membership ready to sustain him in 
its administration. 

The first time I preached in Marion, I felt that 
God had a people in that place. At our first quar- 
terly meeting I made a remark to that effect, adding, 
" I am after you, and, in the name of God, I will 
have you !" A man, in the congregation, said to 
himself, as he afterward told me, " Well, old fellow, 
you will not catch me, at any rate." Yet he was 
among the first to approach the altar of prayer — was 
happily converted, and become a useful member of 

the Church. The strong man armed keepeth his 

21 



242 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

goods in safety, but when a stronger than he is come, 
the strong man is bound, etc.; that is, when a man 
rests in carnal security, he scorns the weakness of 
those who repent and pray, but, when the Spirit of, 
God takes hold of his heart, then he finds himself so 
miserable and vile, that he cries out, " 0, w r retched 
man that I am!" Breaking off from his sins, by 
righteousness, and from his iniquities, by turning 
unto the Lord, he finds that, "With God there is 
forgiveness, that he may be feared." We were 
favored with a very good revival in this place. 

In the fall, my colleague and myself attended a 
camp meeting among the Wyandotts, at the mission. 
The sight of these red brethren, coming on to the 
ground, pitching their tents, and making ready for 
the worship of God, filled my heart with gratitude. 
As I looked upon their sobriety, order, and devotion, 
I could but exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" 
They paid strict attention to all the preaching, sung 
the songs of Zion most delightfully, and their prayers 
were fervent, full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Their 
exhortations were full of fire — the fire that kindles in 
the soul- — that runs from heart to heart, encircling all 
in a flame of love. I felt it burning in my own soul, 
as I mingled in their devotions, and, thank God ! it 
made me feel clever! They were addressed on the 
subject of missions, and responded in the sum of 
forty dollars. They had the true missionary spirit. 
One of them, in speaking of the Gospel being brought 
to them, and of the change it had wrought for the 



A SUPERANNUATE. 243 

better, exclaimed, " And, now I feel like giving it 
another push !" I noticed a young chief, per- 
haps eighteen years of age ; he was covered with 
rings, beads, and all the tinsels and gew-gaws, found 
among the wild sons of the forest ; when he walked 
he appeared to cover over more ground than any per- 
son I ever saw. I could but contrast him with the 
converted Indians. In looking at his pride, and 
their humility, the change wrought by Divine grace, 
was fully manifest. 

I have attended a great many camp meetings, 
but for order, devotion, and happiness, I have never 
seen this one excelled. These Indians were a pat- 
tern for any congregation, worshiping in the wilder- 
ness or in the city. And let me say that the sisters 
spread as white linen upon their tables, as ever 
graced the tented grove. I left the ground with 
feelings which I can never describe. Halleluiah to 
God ! The degraded, abused red man can be saved ! 
The redeeming grace of God has already housed 
many of them in heaven, and many more are on 
their way ! This is no fiction. God is no respecter 
of persons, and the Gospel is the power of God unto 
salvation to every one that believeth. " 0, that 
men would praise the Lord for his goodness, for 
his wonderful works to the children of men !" But 
the marks of improvement in their condition, attrib- 
utable to their having received the Gospel, were 
not confined to the camp-ground, or their solemn 
assemblies. We passed through their country, and 



244 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

on beholding their neat, well-finished houses and 
barns, their clean yards, high fences, well- cultivated 
fields, and luxuriant corn, were led to praise God on 
their behalf. What we witnessed was sufficient to con- 
vince the most skeptical of the practicability of Chris- 
tianizing and civilizing this portion of our fallen race. 

We had a camp meeting on our circuit this year ; 
it was a tolerably good meeting, though nothing of 
special interest transpired. The year closed pleas- 
antly, and we took our departure, leaving many 
friends behind, whom we shall no more see till 
the day of eternity dawns upon us. I had reason 
for thanksgiving to God that myself and family — 
still living on my little farm in Berkshire — had 
been graciously spared another year. I received 
one hundred and thirty-seven dollars for my services 
on the circuit ; and the stewards' book revealed the 
fact that ninety dollars more had been raised on 
the circuit than any previous year. My predecessors 
had close living. 

In September, 1830, the conference sat in Lan- 
caster, Ohio — Bishop Soule presiding. The business 
of the conference was transacted with harmony and 
dispatch. On Sabbath, the Bishop preached a. power- 
ful sermon from the words, " If our Gospel be hid, 
it is hid to them that are lost," etc.; many were 
made to feel and tremble at the word. After the 
sermon, the newly-elected deacons were ordained. 
In the afternoon, the Rev. T. A. Morris — now 
Bishop — preached one of his plain, instructive, forci- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 245 

ble sermons, after which occurred the service of 
ordaining elders. On one evening of the session, 
the somewhat eccentric A. W. Elliott preached on, 
" Behold, I stand at the door and knock," etc.; 
under this sermon, the congregation manifested deep 
feeling. The speaker, as usual, threw his whole 
soul into his subject, and God attended the word 
with power. The next day brother Elliot's char- 
acter was examined, and he asked that his relation 
to the conference — he was superannuated — might be 
continued. The Bishop remarked, " Brethren, I 
am not a superannuated man, but if I should preach 
as brother Elliott did last night, I soon would be." 
Brother E. was an impulsive man ; what he attempted 
to do at all, he did with all his might; and some- 
times he made draughts upon his physical strength, 
such as the stoutest constitution could not bear with- 
out detriment. He wielded a powerful influence in 
the days of his strength, and has doubtless won 
many souls to the Redeemer's praise. 

At the close of this conference, I was sent to the 
Pickaway circuit, the head of which was Circleville. 
Brother Baird, who was just admitted on trial, was 
my colleague ; and that faithful old pioneer, the 
now sainted John Collins, was my presiding elder. 
Brother Baird was a blessed, good man, and a prom- 
ising preacher; but his race was short. In March 
following, he died in sight of heaven, and I preached 
his funeral sermon. It was a deeply solemn time. 
I dwelt on the words, " Let me die the death of the 



246 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

righteous, and let my last end be like his." The 
deceased brother had greatly endeared himself to 
many on the circuit, and to me in particular ; we 
mourned his departure with unaffected grief. The 
event led me to close self-examination ; I purposed 
to live better, to be more useful, that I also might 
be fully ready when summoned away. 

My circuit lying fifty miles from home, with several 
unbridged streams between, rendered it necessary 
that my family should move to the circuit ; but there 
was no parsonage, and no house provided for the 
preacher's family. I rented a room and moved in, 
drew up a subscription-paper, and purposed to build 
a preachers' house. Some noble-hearted brethren 
and sisters pledged assistance, and I went about it 
with good hope of success. The members in Circle- 
ville were just building a church, had it up and 
roofed, and thought they had all they could do to 
finish that. At the first quarterly meeting confer- 
ence, I called attention to the subject, but none were 
willing to take hold of it ; I then drew out my sub- 
scription-paper, and read the names and amounts 
pledged. Upon seeing the encouragement given from 
distant parts of the circuit, the friends in town took 
hold in earnest, and we succeeded in the enterprise — 
not fully, however, till my second year. The most 
liberal subscriptions were from Grooms' neighbor- 
hood, on Walnut creek ; an appointment now called 
Hopewell, on Groveport circuit. But the progress 
of the work here, will occupy another chapter. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 247 



CHAPTER XVI. 

PICKAWAY CIRCUIT— TWO YEARS. 

The Pickaway circuit, at this time, was pretty 
large. It embraced most of Pickaway county, and 
part of Franklin, Ross, and Fairfield counties. We 
preached at Richmond, Londonderry, and at a point 
six miles below Chillicothe, in Ross, came up to Litho- 
polis in Fairfield, and to Hopewell, in Franklin ; in- 
cluding, of course, the territory now occupied by 
Kingston and Royalton circuits, and Circleville 
station. 

Though the circuit was large, the country had 
been settled longer, and the roads were better, than 
on the Delaware circuit. We set out with earnest- 
ness to explore the ground, to ascertain the condition 
of the work, and to get ready for a " winter cam- 
paign. 55 We had sufficient room ; and upon learning 
where our efforts were most needed, we went into 
it, calculating to be limited in our exertions, only 
by our capability of endurance. The blessing of 
God rested upon us, and our labors were crowned 
with success. 

In the month of February, we held a protracted 
meeting in Circleville. As our meeting-house was 
in an unfinished state, we occupied the court-house. 



248 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

The weather was extremely cold. As I was adminis- 
tering the sacrament of the Lord's supper, it seemed 
to me that my fingers would freeze. That night there 
was a move in the congregation ; we called for 
mourners, and they came, evincing the depth and 
sincerity of their convictions, by confessing their sins, 
and pleading earnestly for divine mercy. The mem- 
bership came up delightfully, " to the help of the 
Lord," and we continued the meeting, day and 
night, for three weeks. Many souls were born into 
the kingdom of Christ. We closed up with one 
hundred and twenty accessions to the Church. This 
was one of the best revivals I ever had in any 
one place. 

In Royalton, religion was at a low ebb, though 
there were some good members in society. We made 
arrangements to hold a protracted meeting with them. 
The services commenced on Friday night. On Sat- 
urday, we had preaching at 11 o'clock, and in the 
afternoon. At the close of this sermon, I sat out a 
bench, and invited any who wished an interest in the 
prayers of the Church, to come forward. There was 
a complete rush; many started from the back part of 
the house, and, before reaching the place of kneeling, 
some threw up their arms and cried out, "God be 
merciful to me, a sinner 1" This was a time of un- 
usual power. Some were converted in the space of 
ten minutes from the time they approached the place 
of prayer. Many were enabled to say, " Lord, I 
will praise thee: for though thou wast angry with 



A SUPERANNUATE. 249 

me, thine anger is turned away ; and now thou dost 
comfort me/' The whole Church were made to rise 
and shine, their light being come, and the glory of 
the Lord having risen upon them. I never knew so 
many conversions, in so short a time, under similar 
circumstances. 

Some do not believe in such sudden conversions; 
but it seems to me we ought not to be concerned 
about the manner of the Lord's work, so it is done, 
and the people saved. The question is not whether 
we would expect God to work powerfully and rapidly 
in the hearts of some, but whether he has done it. 
As to the possibility of it, there can be no question, 
for we dare not limit the Holy One. It is, therefore, 
simply a question of fact, as to whether he ever does 
produce the moral change in the soul by a sudden 
manifestation of regenerating power; and the fact is 
to be determined by the experience of those who 
profess such conversion, and not by the experience, 
or want of experience, of those who make no such 
profession. And it is not at all improper to look into 
the Scriptures for precedents in this matter. If God 
did once convert sinners suddenly, he may do so 
again. Thus, the scenes of the day of Pentecost, 
when the Gospel ministry was fully opened, the con- 
version of Saul, and numerous other instances of 
quick conversions, will be in point. But just here I 
call to mind a conversation had with a person who 
objected to so much " confusion." Said I, "Do you 
not think there was some ' confusion ' on the day of 



250 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Pentecost, when three thousand were pricked in their 
hearts, and cried out, 'Men and brethren, what shall 
we do?'" "0 yes/' was the reply; "but then that 
was in the days of the apostles, and we don't look for 
such things now." "No," said I, "you don't look 
for them, and you don't have them; for the Scrip- 
tural rule, c according to your faith, so be it unto 
you,' is perfectly true ; but we do look for them, and 
we do experience thein." Here is the secret of the 
matter: the opposers of sudden conversions are un- 
willing to take Scriptural precedents; they do not 
expect such conversions as are recorded in the New 
Testament ; they do not look for them, they do not 
desire them, and hence they do not have them; and 
because they know nothing about them, in their unbe- 
lief, they are unwilling to credit the testimony of 
those who claim to know. Like the Jews of old, 
they close their eyes to the evidences they have, and 
persistently require a sign from heaven ! The meet- 
ing in Royalton continued several days, resulting in 
over twenty accessions to the Church. I then invited 
all who felt interested in having a house of worship, 
to meet me at the school-house, to see what could be 
done. The result was, we had a good church built; 
and now they have, in that place, a parsonage, and it 
is the headquarters of the circuit. 

We had an old church about four miles above Chil- 
licothe, in the Crouse neighborhood, which was called 
Lakin's Chapel. Near this lived father Crouse, who 
was getting old — was wealthy, and retiring from busi- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 251 

ness. He was building a house in Kingston, a beau- 
tiful little village, ten miles from Chillicothe, and was 
very anxious to have a Methodist society organized 
there. After conversing with the old gentleman in 
relation to the matter, I determined to establish an 
appointment in the place, and take it into the regular 
plan of the circuit. We collected a few members 
who lived in the vicinity, formed a small class, and 
God added to their numbers by happy conversions; 
so that, before the year closed, we had a society of 
forty members, sweetly united in spirit, worshiping 
God, and walking in the light of his truth. But 
more of this hereafter. 

I was especially interested in the society on Little 
Walnut, before alluded to as the Hopewell appoint- 
ment on Groveport circuit. This was a large, flour- 
ishing society, established, in a very early day, by 
Rev. James Quinn. Here were parents, children, and 
grandchildren, all united in Church fellowship, and 
laboring to sustain the Church by building up the 
cause of religion at home, and by contributing to 
her benevolent operations abroad. I have been inti- 
mately acquainted in this neighborhood for twenty- 
six years, and it gives me peculiar pleasure to look 
over the past and review my associations with this 
people. As in every other neighborhood, time has 
wrought many changes. Some of the older members 
have died in the faith and gone to heaven, some have 
emigrated to the far west, others have built a neat 
brick church, and now worship at Locust Grove, 



252 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

about two miles from Hopewell; but still there is a 
goodly company left, who, retaining the spirit of their 
fathers, "walk by the same rule, minding the same 
things" These have a good house of worship, keep 
it neat and clean, attend regularly the means of grace, 
bestow proper attention upon the Sabbath school, 
and never fail to meet their proportion of circuit 
expenses ; but, in doing this, the leaders have to put 
their hands pretty deeply into their own pockets. 
They calculate to "foot the bill," whatever it may 
be after having made their regular collections. But 
this noble generosity on the part of official members 
sometimes operates injuriously, not to the general 
cause, but to particular individuals. Members come 
to think it matters little whether they pay their "little 
mite" or not; the demands will all be met, at any 
rate; the society will not suffer in credit, nor the 
preachers in pocket, though they hold on to their 
pittance ; thus virtually taking it out of their neigh- 
bor's pocket! "It is more blessed to give than to 
receive;" and those who neglect their own duty be- 
cause others are more liberal than themselves, rob 
their own souls of the richest benedictions of Heaven. 
At my first visit to Lithopolis, I met with Dr. 
Minor, with whom I had formed a slight acquaintance 
in Vermont. The Doctor showed me no little kind- 
ness; and, from that day to this, I have been made 
welcome to the hospitality of his house, whenever I 
visited that place. He has shown himself a substan- 
tial friend, and I trust he will yet obtain the mercy 



A SUPERANNUATE. 253 

of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. We had a 
good society in that place; but Methodism has found 
much to contend with in that region. The population 
was made up, in good part, of German Lutherans, 
whose prejudices against Methodism were very strong. 
Many of them were good citizens, and exerted a pow- 
erful influence in the community. Nevertheless, some 
such have been converted, and now form the bone and 
sinew of the Methodist Church. It is by no means 
uncommon that persons educated in an opposite faith, 
and taught to hate Methodism from their youth, when 
they experience an evangelical conversion, become 
her warmest admirers, and most unflinching sup- 
porters. 

During this year, I had the pleasure of attending 
several camp meetings. The first was a very good 
meeting, held in conjunction with Rev. E. H. Field, 
of the Adelphi circuit, for the benefit of his charge 
and mine. From this, in company with the presid- 
ing elder, I went to one on the Deer Creek circuit, 
held on the old camp-ground at White Brown's. Old 
brother Brown and his companion were pioneers in 
Methodism ; they were emphatically " old-fashioned 
Methodists;" for many long years their house stood 
open to receive the toiling itinerant, and many of 
the old soldiers have been refreshed and gladdened 
within their truly Christian habitation. But now 
they dwell in the " house not made with hands," and 
their children, rising up to call them blessed, delight 
to follow their godly example. The meeting was 



254 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

such as were only witnessed in the tented grove, when 
Christians met to worship in the simplicity of true 
devotion. From this, I accompanied brother Collins 
to a similar meeting in the Hillsboro circuit. This 
was held on the old Rattlesnake camp-ground, 
under the direction of Revs. G. Maley and G. W. 
Walker, circuit preachers. This also was a season 
of great interest and power. The people present on 
Sabbath were estimated at seven thousand. The 
presiding elder appointed me to preach that day at 
eleven o'clock. Why he did so, I can not tell — per- 
haps it was because I was a stranger in that part, 
and had a clear, strong voice. The latter was a quali- 
fication by no means unessential, on such an occa- 
sion. During the day, the attention was good, con- 
sidering the vast numbers on the ground; and the 
interest increased as the meeting advanced, till one 
hundred and forty gave their names as probationers 
for membership, before the services closed. The 
membership were not there to vie with each other 
in displaying fine clothing and setting extravagant 
tables, but to worship the God of Abraham, of Isaac, 
of Jacob, and of Moses, in the wilderness, and to 
labor for the salvation of precious, blood-bought sin- 
ners. God was there in very deed, and his word 
was with power. 

On returning to my circuit, I found the good work 
still prospering. I received between three and four 
hundred on trial that year, most of whom stood fast 
in the faith of the Gospel. It was a blessed year. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 255 

I look back upon it with gratitude to God, who 
poured out his blessing so freely upon my humble 
efforts, making them instrumental in the accomplish- 
ment of good. "We have this treasure in earthern 
vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of 
God, and not of us." To his name be the glory 
forever ! Amen. 

The quarterage claims were all met. When the 
hearts of the people are open to receive Christ, the 
spirit of liberality prevails to such an extent that 
the management of the financial concerns of the 
Church becomes an easy matter. The people were 
alive in religion, and not backward to duty ; abound- 
ing in the other graces, they abounded also in the 
grace of liberality. Committing my flock to the 
care of the great Shepherd above, I made ready for 
another session of conference. This was held, Sep- 
tember 8, 1831, in Mansfield, Ohio, Bishop Hedding 
presiding. 

The reports at this conference showed that the 
year had been one of general prosperity, there being 
over four thousand of an increase in our bounds. 
My heart prompts me to speak of the Bishop — but 
since Dr. Clark has given so faithful a portraiture 
of the man, of his life and times, all of which every 
one acquainted with him can fully indorse — such a 
notice as I could give would be superfluous. The 
session was a very pleasant one. I was returned to 
Pickaway circuit, with Rev. Jacob Dixon for my col- 
league. He was an excellent preacher, possessed 



256 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

considerable talent, but was wanting in economy ; he 
therefore found much trouble in supporting his fam- 
ily on the income allotted to a Methodist preacher. 
Our presiding elder this year was Rev. Augustus 
Eddy. He is well known in Ohio and Indiana as a 
faithful, laborious minister of the Gospel. In 1831, 
he was in the vigor of life ; he was humble, devoted, 
persevering — beloved by the preachers of his district, 
and highly esteemed among the people. He is yet 
upon the walls of Zion in Indiana — but doubtless 
begins to feel the advances of age, and looks for- 
ward to his discharge from the militant service, as 
not very distant. He has done a goodly share of 
pioneer work, contributed much to the advancement 
of religion where he has labored, and his name will 
live, richly embalmed in the affections of children's 
children, when he shall rest from his labors, in the 
paradise of God. "The memory of the just is 
blessed." 

Father Crouse had now moved into Kingston, and 
was laboring with a large heart for the advantage of 
the Church. He purchased a house and two lots, put 
up an addition to the house, built a stable, and then 
gave it all to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
citizens had, several years before, erected a brick 
building, which was partly finished, and used for 
public business, schools, preaching, etc. Father 
Crouse bought it, remodeled and enlarged it, making 
it suitable for the worship of God, and deeded it to 
the Church. In this he might have received some 



A SUPERANNUATE. 257 

small contributions from others, but the main expense 
was borne by himself. The Lakin Chapel was getting 
old, and, on account of the burying-ground con- 
nected with it, father Crouse was anxious to have it 
kept up ; he therefore gave fifteen hundred dollars for 
building a new house at that place. After distribut- 
ing these and other munificent benefactions, the old 
man fell asleep in Jesus ; but his name and his works 
still live. " The righteous shall be had in everlast- 
ing remembrance. " 

Not the least responsible part of our work, this 
year, was the training, indoctrinating, Methodizing 
the converts of the previous year. These generally 
did well ; some became useful members, and some, 
ere this, have finished their course, and " passed, 
through death, triumphant home." We were favored 
with some prosperity this year. Souls were con- 
verted at several places. 

At one point, the members neglected to attend 

class. I visited the delinquents, admonished them 

of the error of their ways, pleaded with them to come 

up to the work, and be Methodists — but all to no 

purpose ; they seemed intent on breaking down the 

rule on that subject, so far as they were concerned. 

I then cited them to appear before the society, and 

give a reason for their course ; they did not appear. 

I then read the clause of Discipline, bearing on the 

case, and called upon those who believed the accused 

were guilty of violating the rule, to manifest it by 

raising their hand — not a hand was raised. "What!" 

22 



258 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

said I, "are persons not guilty of breach of rule, 
who absent themselves from class for six months, and 
then refuse to assign any reason when called upon?" 
I informed them, that, as I differed from them in 
judgment, I should refer the case to the quarterly 
conference. But, rather than have the case referred, 
they reconsidered their action, and voted them 
guilty; the delinquents were, accordingly, set aside 
for breach of rule. This case illustrates the import- 
ance of the rule which gives the preacher the power 
of reference, when he disagrees with the majority, 
before whom the accused person is brought. But for 
the existence of it, these notoriously delinquent per- 
sons would have been retained in the Church, through 
the influence of merely personal partiality, or local 
prejudice. 

Down, on the southern end of the work, I found 
several excellent families, of whom I would like to 
speak, did space permit. Old brother King and his 
whole family were of the right stamp. Here, also, 
were the Joneses, Gundys, Buns, Orrs, and many 
others — all striving for the " better land." I shall 
never forget their kindnesses and Christian fellow- 
ship. They loved God and his Church — stood up for 
Methodism in its primitive simplicity; and sustained 
me nobly in the administration of Discipline. But, 
soon the grave will close over the last of the old 
stock. 

" On this side, and on that, we see our friends 
Drop off, like leaves in autumn !" 



A SUPERANNUATE. 259 

I call up the pleasing sensations experienced in 
conversation with these old friends, and can scarcely 
realize, that a quarter of a century has dropped into 
eternity, since their familiar faces and friendly 
voices cheered my heart; but, so it is; time, like an 
ever-flowing stream, moves swiftly on, bearing us 
rapidly to the ocean of eternity ! At the close of 
my second year, I found myself even more attached 
to the people than ever before. I gave to many the 
parting hand, to meet no more on earth. Some have 
made a good escape from earth — some still linger, 
amid the storms of this tempestuous world, looking 
out, in cheerful hope, to the clime where all is calm 
and sunshine; but, perchance, others have made 
shipwreck of faith, and are now stumbling upon 
the dark mountains ! 

" Brief time, 
Advances quick, in tread ; few hours, and dark, 
Remain : those hours, in frivolous employ, 
Waste not impertinent; they ne'er return ! 
Nor deem it dullness to stand still, and pause, 
When dread eternity has claims so high." 



260 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER XVII. 

DEER CREEK CIRCUIT — TWO YEARS. 

In September, 1832, I received my appointment to 
Deer Creek circuit, with brother J. A. Reader, for my 
colleague. Brother Reader was a pleasant companion, 
a good man, and an acceptable preacher. I moved 
my family to Old Town — now Frankfort — in Ross 
county. 

The circuit was large, but in good condition ; our 
predecessors, J. EL Power and J. Gurley, were dili- 
gent workers, and left the charge as it should be. 
The territory is now divided into Frankfort, New 
Holland, and Deer Creek circuits — each sustaining 
two preachers, and affording work enough to keep 
them well employed. The village of Old Town was 
one of the oldest places in that part of the country ; 
it occupied the site of an Indian village, and was 
originally called Chillicothe. Methodism was planted 
there in an early day, by some of the pioneers who 
penetrated the wilderness, upon the very heels of the 
first settlers, and preached Christ to them, in their 
yet unfinished cabins. We found there a good society 
of plain Methodists — some of them wealthy and lib- 
eral ; indeed, the membership on the circuit generally, 
would compare favorably with that of any other field. 






A SUPERANNUATE. 261 

The members flocked around us, giving us a most 
cheering reception. The steward, living in the place, 
called and inquired whether we would like any finan- 
cial aid before the quarterly meeting ; and thus, in the 
very outset, we were inspired with confidence, and 
impressed, favorably, toward the people of the charge. 
And, how delightful to the itinerant, on leaving an 
affectionate people, and moving among strangers, to 
be greeted with such manifestations of Christian 
regard ! Would that all our people understood how 
much depends on this ! If the membership would 
call upon the preachers, immediately upon their arri- 
val — show them a cheerful countenance — lend them a 
helping hand, in settling in their new home, exhibit- 
ing the religion they profess, they would be much 
more likely to have preachers with frank, warm 
hearts, strongly attached to their flocks, than by 
pursuing the course which is now far too common. 
People often complain that their preachers do not 
visit them enough. I wish to say that, in my judg- 
ment, there is nothing so well calculated to induce a 
preacher to come up to the line of duty, in the way 
of pastoral visiting, as the simple and easy method 
above indicated, of making him feel at home, when he 
first arrives upon his circuit or station. And, on the 
other hand, there is nothing which so discourages 
him, and renders this duty embarrassing, and un- 
pleasant, as to leave him to hunt up his strange mem- 
bers, and thrust himself upon their acquaintance, 
without any previous knowledge as to whether they 



262 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

desire it or not. Preachers are but men ; and, many 
of them start in the work with timidity and embar- 
rassment ; and, being held at a distance, by the peo- 
ple, or compelled to put themselves forward, to seek 
acquaintance with the members, and then finding 
much formality and stiffness of manners to encounter, 
confirms, in them, habits of backwardness, and ac- 
tual dislike to this most important, and what should 
be the most pleasing, part of their work. These re- 
marks are made after years of experience and obser- 
vation ; and I am fully persuaded that reform is 
needed, and that reform, on the part of the people, 
will be speedily followed by reform on the part of 
the pastors. 

Shortly after locating my family in Old Town, 

the Rev. Mr. J , of the Baptist Church, called 

upon me, and expressed a desire to be friendly with 
all denominations. We conversed together freely, 
and with much interest, on the subject of religion. 
He informed me that he had abandoned the old 
doctrine of limited atonement, and believed that 
Christ died for all — that all might be saved if they 
would. Thus far we agreed well. But he went on 
to say that men have natural ability to repent and 
believe the Gospel. Here I was compelled to dis- 
sent. I could not believe that fallen, depraved 
human nature, possessed any such excellent capa- 
bility — for I was a firm believer in the doctrine of 
total depravity. I believed the words of Christ, 
"Without me, ye can do nothing." I told him that 



A SUPERANNUATE. 263 

if men Have natural ability to perform the moral 
duties they owe to God, they might exercise that 
natural ability and go to heaven without grace. He 
still insisted that we have " natural ability." I told 
him that if he meant by that phrase — physical 
ability — to chop wood, or to lift a man out or thrust 
him into the gutter, I would acknowledge that we 
have it ; but even this we have through the atone- 
ment of Christ, to whom we owe all we have, and 
it is therefore of grace, after all, " and not of works, 
lest any man should boast." He then said he be- 
lieved, as he heard me preach a few evenings before, 
that religion was the one thing needful, and that 
it is a matter of choice, " but the change comes 
before," said he. Here is a strange paradox : 
Religion is a matter of choice— but the heart must 
be changed before the choice can be made. This 
is much like the common blunder of Calvinists, in 
placing regeneration before faith. I pointed him 
to a water-mill, with its ponderous wheel moving 
beneath the running stream. Said I, " That wheel 
appears to move freely, but a glance at the impell- 
ing cause found in the current above, shows that 
its motion is necessitated ; and this is the sort of 
freedom you allow to man. Religion is a matter of 
choice, but the choice can not be made till God 
changes the heart — that is, man has the power of 
choice after his heart is changed, but has no such 
power antecedent to the change ; what then becomes 
of your natural ability — what is it all worth ?" We 



264 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

conversed on many points of doctrine, sometimes 
seeing alike, and sometimes not. Old-fashioned, 
unadulterated Calvinism, which disrobes man of all 
moral freedom, and degrades him to the pitiful con- 
dition of absolute passivity, may be arranged into 
a harmonious system, though it be without any true 
foundation to rest upon ; but when men attempt 
to modify it — to throw out the repulsive parts, 
and introduce some truth into it — they mar its 
harmony, and present a conglomeration of incon- 
gruities. There is no middle ground between Calvin- 
ism and Arminianism. Man is free or bound, the 
atonement is limited or universal, the decrees of God 
are absolute or conditional ; there is no such thing 
as modifying the old-fashioned absolutism of Calvin 
and Augustine, so as to blend it with some of the 
great truths of the Gospel. Truth and error will 
not blend; there is between them an irreconcilable 
enmity, and whenever they are brought in contact, 
the antagonism will show itself. Men may talk as 
much as they please about moderate Calvinists, 
modified Calvinism, etc.; I want none of it, unless 
I take it all. None of the modern improvements on 
the out-and-out predestinarianism of Calvin, could 
get a foot-hold in his day ; one glance of his mighty 
intellect would detect the adulteration, and one 
stroke of his masterly logic was sufficient to banish 
it forever. Surely, if the old man were living, and 
could examine the mixtures of theology, with which 
his name is associated, and in support of which his 



A SUPERANNUATE. 265 

learning, piety, and zeal are invoked, he would cry 
out in righteous indignation against the abuse. 

We found plenty to do on the circuit; but to 
particularize, would be but to detail the every-day 
life of the Methodist preacher, much of which has 
already been done. Much of the same variety of 
riding in the cold and heat,, wet and dry, and find- 
ing good, bad, and medium accommodations, with 
the labor of preaching, praying, visiting, etc., which 
made up former years, occupied us during our stay 
on this circuit. We had a camp meeting near New 
Holland; but, though it was a good meeting, I 
remember nothing that transpired worthy of special 
record. 

The Rev. Charles C. Lybrand was my colleague in 
Deer Creek circuit, the second year. He is still in 
the active work of the ministry — an amiable, con- 
sistent Methodist preacher. We labored together in 
great harmony, and with reasonable success. We 
took in a new preaching-place this year, in the vil- 
lage of Williamsport. This was in the midst of a 
New-Light community. (I intend no disrespect in 
using this term; the word " Christian" is too general 
to be distinctive.) After preaching several times in 
a cabin, where we were cramped for room, I was 
invited to preach in the New-Light church. To this 
I consented, with the understanding that I should 
feel at full liberty to preach the doctrine of our 
Church, without hinderance. Accordingly I an- 
nounced that at such a time, I would preach on the 

23 



266 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The term deity 
was used in preference to divinity, because many 
that regard the Savior as a created, dependent being, 
call him divine, because he was divinely inspired, as 
were Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Paul. A large audi- 
ence assembled, including four or five " Christian " 
preachers, with paper and pencils to take notes. My 
sermon was much the same as the one the substance 
of which is given in this work. Rev. Mr. Harvey 
said, at the close, that he was to have replied to the 
discourse, but the house was so full and the weather 
so warm, he thought best to postpone the reply for 
three weeks. He then said, "If I do not show that 
Christ is a distinct being from the Father, we will 
give it up." I immediately remarked, "You must 
disprove that Christ is God, or it will be no reply to 
my discourse." The time came, and a large congre- 
gation assembled. Mr. H. spent nearly two hours 
in proving that Christ was the Son of God, and in 
some sense distinct from, and inferior to, the Father. 
This he called a refutation of my discourse. I rose 
and remarked, "It is too evident to be called in 
question, that Mr. H. is blessed with the gift of 
continuance ; he has spent nearly two hours in his 
professed reply, which is no reply at all to what I 
advanced. I dwelt on the Deity of Christ ; he dwelt 
on the humanity of Christ. I proved that Christ is 
God ; he has been proving that Christ is man : this 
he calls a refutation ! To illustrate : Suppose I 
deliver a discourse proving that the soul of man is 



A SUPERANNUATE. 267 

immortal, and Mr. H. proposes to refute it; he pro- 
ceeds to prove that the body is mortal, and calls that 
a refutation of my argument ; would you admit his 
claim to be legitimate ? It could not be a refutation, 
because both positions are correct — and they are not 
incompatible ; so in this case, Christ is both God 
and man; and proving him man no more disproves 
that he is God, than proving the body mortal dis- 
proves the immortality of the soul. Here are two 
distinct points of doctrine. I dwelt on one, and Mr. 
H. on the other; but both are equally true!" I 
then noticed a few points in his argument which I 
thought deserved attention, and closed. One point I 
will give: Mr. H. called up the common objection 
to his hypothesis, that if Christ be not God, we can 
not worship him without being guilty of idolatry. 
Said he, " We do worship Christ, and we have no 
fears of being accounted idolaters therefor — because 
God commands us to worship him." "That is an 
excellent thought," said I. "Just look at it: God 
says, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and 
him only shalt thou serve,' but he also commands us 
to worship Christ — therefore Christ is God, or we 
are commanded to worship what is not God!" 

We succeeded in organizing a good society in the 
place; now they have a pretty good Church, and 
stand as a prominent point on the circuit. The 
truth — Bible truth, will prevail; it has God for its 
author, and salvation for its end; it will become a 
savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. 



268 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

In conclusion, I will say that the two years spent 
on Deer Creek circuit, were pleasant years to me, 
and not altogether without prosperity. Since then 1 
have frequently had the pleasure of meeting with 
some of the old friends on that circuit, and their 
cordial press of the hand always betokened the sin- 
cerity of their friendship. I shall ever cultivate the 
memory of their kindness while with them, and hope 
to meet them again in heaven. 

u This glorious hope revives 

Our courage by the way ; 
While each in expectation lives, 

And longs to see the day. 
From sorrow, toil, and pain, 

And sin, we shall be free ; 
And perfect love and friendship reign 

Through all eternity." 






A SUPERANNUATE. 269 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

ONE YEAR WITHOUT REGULAR WORK. 

In September, 1834, our conference sat in Circle- 
ville. At this session, I asked to be left without an 
appointment, on account of family afflictions. My 
oldest son had been suffering from pulmonary con- 
sumption for about fourteen months ; his wife was dis- 
abled, through ill health, from giving him the atten- 
tion he needed; and their means were exhausted, so 
that they could not provide for themselves. It was 
clearly my duty to take care of them; but this I 
could not do, and, at the same time, perform regular 
pastoral work. I was wanted for Portsmouth station; 
but a station I never desired. However, I should 
have felt it my duty to fill, as well as possible, any 
appointment assigned me by the appointing power, if 
sickness had not interfered. 

The request excited some debate in the conference. 
Some were opposed to granting it, because they saw 
no Disciplinary provision for such a case. I was not, 
myself, worn-out or disabled, and did not want a 
superannuated or a supernumerary relation to the 
conference; but that, while my name stood upon the 
effective list, I should simply be left without an ap- 
pointment. Some of my best friends thought it con- 



270 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

trary to our economy to grant such a request — that 
it would establish a bad precedent, etc. ; but the ma- 
jority were of opinion that if there were no Disci- 
plinary provision made expressly for such eases, it was 
clearly within the discretionary power of the confer- 
ence to grant the request, and that it ought to be 
done ; they voted accordingly, and I was left at lib- 
erty to bestow all my attention upon the wants and 
afflictions of my family. I immediately proceeded to 
the residence of my son, settled up his business, and 
moved him and family home to my own house. It 
was now our daily concern to make him as comfort- 
able as possible, the short time he had to live. He 
lingered with us, suffering and rejoicing, till the 
24th of March, 1835, when he pushed off "life's 
ambiguous shore/' in full prospect of a better inher- 
itance beyond the grave. His last words were those 
of the poet — 

"Never will I remove 
Out of " 

Here his voice failed, and he uttered no more. The 
whole verse which he attempted to quote, reads — 

" Never will I remove 

Out of his hands my cause ; 
But rest in thy redeeming love, 
And hang upon thy cross. ,, 

Thus departed our first-born, in the 32d year of his 
age. To those who never experienced a like afflic- 
tion, I would say, you know not the sorrow, the 



A SUPERANNUATE, 271 

crushing anguish that parents feel, upon the loss of a 
son or daughter* You may imagine you sympathize 
with them, hut you can not realize the bereavement 
of their hearts. But then, there is One whose eye 
can see the silent workings of the soul, behold all the 
unuttered grief; who looks upon the secret springs 
of sorrow, and always looks with tenderness. There 
is One whose heart can feel the very depth of hu- 
man woe, whose compassion is infinite, whose sym- 
pathy is divine; to him we looked for succor, and we 
looked not in vain: "For he doth not afflict willingly, 
nor grieve the children of men." Our hearts were 
truly stricken and sorrowful ; but we sung— 

" Courage, my soul ; thy bitter cross, 
In every trial here, 
Shall bear thee to thy heaven above, 
But shall not enter there. 

The sighing ones, that humbly seek 

In sorrowing paths below, 
Shall in eternity rejoice, 

Where endless comforts flow." 

Without faith in divine Providence, we should have 
been utterly desolate and comfortless; but, knowing 
that God is too wise to err, too powerful to be de- 
feated, and too good to be unkind, we bowed in sub- 
mission to this stroke, saying, "Thy will be done." 
If his wisdom sees, his goodness provides, and his 
power executes, what is best, why should we not trust 
in him and not be afraid? 

I was now at liberty to go out into the field, and 



272 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

join the brethren in the " battle-cry ." In company 
with brother Eddy, I attended quarterly meeting in 
Columbus — preached twice during the meeting ; once 
from John xv, 14, and again from the 4th Psalm. 
On Sabbath, brother Eddy preached a powerful ser- 
mon. The power of the Lord was in the assembly to 
apply the word, and good was done in the name of 
Christ. Brother Eddy being detained on Church busi- 
ness, I went on to his next quarterly meeting, which 
was in Granville. I preached on Saturday, from Phil. 
i, 6: " Being confident of this very thing, that he 
which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it 
till the day of Jesus Christ." On Sabbath, at 11 
o'clock, I dwelt upon 2 Timothy ii, 19. This was 
one of my happiest visits to Granville. I shall never 
forget it. Brother Joseph Carper was on this work, 
and had been favored with considerable revival influ- 
ence. This meeting wound up with a fine ingathering 
of souls, and I trust many of them will land safely 
in the better world. During the meeting, we went 
down to the creek and administered baptism to eight 
or ten persons. Leaving Granville, I went to New- 
ark, where I preached from Jeremiah viii, 22. This 
was a very good meeting. Here I met with brother 
L. White, then stationed in Lancaster. Upon invita- 
tion from him, I attended his quarterly meeting the 
next Saturday and Sabbath. It was a profitable sea- 
son. I endeavored to expound Luke xiii, 24. From 
this place, I accompanied brother Eddy to a camp 
meeting, below Kingston. The meeting was a de- 






A SUPERANNUATE. 273 

lightful one, although my own enjoyments were not 
so good as usual. 

I now returned home, and assisted the preachers 
on the circuit where my family lived, in holding pro- 
tracted meetings, etc., till conference. It was to 
me a year of sacrifice, toil, and affliction; but I felt 
that I was in the line of duty, and therefore in the 
path of safety. In the midst of all, I could say, with 
Job, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." 
Thank God that it is written, "All things w T ork to- 
gether for good to them that love God!" May he 
still protect and keep us humble before him ! 

" Glad frames too often lift us up, 
And then how proud we grow ! 
Till sad desertion makes us droop, 
And down we sink as low. 

He that is down, need fear no fall ; 

He that is low, no pride ; 
He that is humble, ever shall 

Have God to be his guide. ,, 



274 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER XIX. 

MARIETTA AND ADELPHI CIRCUITS. 

In September, 1835, conference sat in Springfield, 
Bishop Soule presiding. My appointment was to 
Marietta. M. P. Kellogg was my colleague. He 
had previously belonged to the Presbyterian Church, 
in which he was a distinguished revivalist — some- 
thing after the style of the Rev. Mr. Finney. He 
was constantly inclined to get up revivals, by some 
sort of maneuvering ; some of his plans were admira- 
ble, but others, I could not approve. I considered 
him a pious, good man ; he read the Bible on his 
knees more than any man of my acquaintance ; but 
he was impulsive, hasty, and sometimes very incon- 
siderate in his movements ; he subsequently got into 
difficulty, was suspended for a year, and then per- 
mitted to locate. The last I heard of him, he was 
preaching in another branch of the Church. I trust 
he will find rest in heaven. We labored together 
harmoniously, and had a good work on the circuit. 
Brother Kellogg was undoubtedly a useful man in 
that day. Having purchased a home, and located 
my family in Kingston, my work was one hundred 
and five miles from my residence. While in Marietta, 
I boarded with brother Crawford, an excellent local 



A SUPERANNUATE, 275 

preacher, in whose kind family I found agreeable 
entertainment. Marietta was the point at which 
the first settlements in Ohio commenced. The peo- 
ple were mostly of the New England stock, and to 
this day they retain many of the customs of Yan- 
keedom. Some of these peculiarities are worthy 
of imitation every-where. They cultivate taste in 
arranging their houses, barns, yards, gardens, fences, 
etc.; so that their residences are characterized by 
order, neatness, and comfort. There is a college 
in the place of good reputation ; it is under Presby- 
terian control, and has sent out a large number of 
graduates, who, as teachers, preachers, and members 
of other professions, occupy positions of usefulness 
and honor, and may be justly esteemed blessings to 
the country. I bless God for sanctified learning ! 
All true science links the soul to God. Leave him 
out of the account, and philosophy loses its sub- 
limity, and sinks into blind conjecture. And our 
holy Bible courts the light. Its author is the author 
of all things ; He who inspired the prophets, hung 
the world upon nothing, spread abroad the heavens, 
ordained the laws of gravitation, and upholds all 
things by the word of his power. The study of 
science, is but the study of God. The heavens 
declare his glory, and the firmament showeth his 
handy work. The rocky pages of geology beneath 
our feet, and the shining stars above our heads, 
alike display the wisdom, power, and glory of that 
God whose loving kindness the Bible reveals. 



276 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

Marietta was a half-station; we preached there 
every Sabbath morning, and in Point Harmer in 
the afternoon. In the winter, I held a protracted 
meeting on the Marietta side, which resulted in the 
happy conversion of a goodly number of souls, who 
united with us in Church fellowship. We had some 
revival influence at nearly every appointment on 
the circuit. We also raised money and built two 
churches in the course of the year. 

The first and last slave case I ever had any thing 
to do with, occurred in Marietta this year. A mem- 
ber of the Church in Virginia, who owned a number 
of slaves, sold them, and came here and commenced 
living in princely style, on the price of blood. I 
had him arraigned under our General Rule which 
forbids the buying or selling men, women, and 
children with the intention of enslaving them ; he 
was found guilty and expelled the Church — but 
took an appeal, and pleaded nearly two hours in 
his own defense ; the appeal was not sustained ; 
so he remained expelled, becoming very bitter against 
me for the part I took in administering the Discipline 
against him. It was truly a sad spectacle to see a 
man professing Christianity, guilty of the black crime 
of selling his fellow-beings into slavery, stand up to 
justify the deed before an ecclesiastical court. In 
slave states such things may yet be done, but I 
mistake the signs of the times if the light of truth 
does not yet put an end to scenes so humiliating, 
even there. The spirit of freedom, flowing on with 






A SUPERANNUATE. 277 

a deep, smooth current, will rise and extend, till it 
spreads over all the area of oppression, inundating 
our whole land with a flood of glory. Sectional 
animosity, and political strife, may, for a time, im- 
pede its progress ; but, like every running, living 
stream, it will gather strength, surmount every 
obstacle, and sweep away every obstruction. May 
God hasten the day when the Church, the state, and 
nation, shall be freed from the curse of slavery ! 
The prospect looks forbidding, but we may still hope, 
for God reigns. 

But this, no less than the last, was a year of trial 
and deep family affliction. God saw fit to remove by 
death another of our sons. He was in the twenty- 
third year of his age, doing business in Kingston, 
possessed a good mind, was well educated, and — 
permit a father to say it — was highly esteemed in 
the community. He was scrupulously moral and 
upright. The Rev. S. Hamilton said if there was 
ever any one retained his infantile justification, he 
was the person ; but he deferred a profession of 
religion, till the spring he died. While he was yet 
in good health, he wrote me as follows : "I have, at 
last, joined the Church. I did not do it in the time 
of excitement, nor in an excited moment ; I joined 
because I wanted to be a Methodist, and a Christian. 
I can not say that I do now, or ever did, feel that 
conviction which others speak of feeling ; but I feel 
badly because I can not feel worse than I do." 
This was his last letter. He never entered the 



278 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Church after the night he joined, till his lifeless 
remains were carried there for funeral services prior 
to interment. He was suddenly prostrated with 
hemorrhage. Another son wrote me, and I hastened 
home. Brother Hamilton was on the Kingston 
circuit, and kindly offered to exchange work with 
me, during this affliction ; this was a great accommo- 
dation. I could fill his appointments, and be home 
every night. The attacks of hemorrhage were 
repeated, till all hopes of saving him from death 
were at an end. Thus, in the " morning of life," he 
must be resigned to the fell destroyer. It was 
hard — but God is good and wise! He lingered till 
the 22d of May, 1836, when he breathed his last, 
saying, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." This was 
in the same room in which, fourteen months before, 
my eldest son sank sweetly to rest. But they 
dwell together in the world of light. They were, 
perhaps, "taken away from the evil to come." 

As parents, we could but weep and trust in God. 
We must learn to suffer, as well as cfo, his will. 
" Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth 
every son whom he receiveth." We must look for 
afflictions — but we may, at the same time, look for 
supporting grace. Thank heaven ! we have a loving 
Savior. 

" His heart is made of tenderness, 
His bowels melt with love/' 

This is a precious truth ; and I can say, with a 
grateful heart, that, as my trials have been, so has 



A SUPERANNUATE. 279 

been the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the 
decease of this son, I returned to Marietta, and con- 
tinued in the work till the close of the year. We 
were permitted to wind up pleasantly. On my return 
home, while riding through Logan, my horse stumbled 
and fell upon his side, fastening my leg beneath him. 
Some time after, he released me by rising. I arose, 
and was astonished to find that the limb was not 
broken. Surely, it was God's providence that pre- 
served me from serious harm. Praise his name ! 

The field of labor assigned me, in September, 
1836, was the Adelphi circuit. My colleague was 
the Rev. Benjamin Ellis, a good preacher, and a 
pious, companionable man. We worked sweetly to- 
gether in the Gospel yoke. Most of this circuit ex- 
tended over the hills, which were covered with white- 
oaks and pitch-pine. My health was not very good ; 
by some means, I had become dyspeptic ; but I found 
the invigorating atmosphere, and pure water, of these 
hills, together with plenty of good corn-bread, to be 
very efficacious in relieving me from this annoying 
and distressing disease. Perhaps, however, a share 
of the credit is due to the picturesque scenery, which, 
with ever-varying aspect, passed before the eye, in 
crossing the lofty hills, and passing the deep ravines. 
No doubt the exhilarating influence arising from fre- 
quent contact with the grand and beautiful in nature, 
is calculated to counteract the nervous depression, 
which is one of the attendants of deranged digestive 
organs. But the pleasurable sensations which the 



280 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

romantic scenery inspired, were greatly enhanced by 
finding, scattered through the hills and valleys, a 
goodly number of earnest, self-denying Christians, 
who were always ready to work for God. 

Passing through this circuit, was a stream very 
appropriately called Queer creek. It wound its way 
through the hills, in such a serpentine course, that, in 
traveling the distance of two miles, we crossed it not 
less — and I am not certain but more — than forty 
times. I used to think it fairly represented the zig- 
zag life of some specimens of humanity with whom I 
have had acquaintance. They seem utterly incapable 
of pursuing a straight-forward course, but exhibit as 
many windings and turnings as Queer creek. They 
will make a contract with you to-day, and, to-morrow, 
if they see opportunity of making a little, a very 
little, too, they will violate it without scruple. They 
care nothing about their word; and, as for honor, they 
know nothing of its import. Poor creatures. They 
are objects of commiseration, when we look at them 
as immortal beings, led captive by the devil at his 
will; but much of their crookedness results from 
downright dishonesty. Having abandoned themselves 
to absolute selfishness, they become the victims of 
passion and self-interest, so fully as to be incapable 
of resisting any gust that may break upon them ; the 
winds and waves drive them hither and thither, so 
that, like the "double-minded man," spoken of by 
St. James, "They are unstable in all their ways" — 
a poor, motley mixture of contrarieties — a heap of 



A SUPERANNUATE. 281 

jumbled contradictions. God pity them ! I lift my 
heart to Him, in prayer, that they may be rescued, 
by infinite mercy, from their perilous condition. 

In the course of the year, we held a camp meeting, 
in conjunction with the preachers, on the Logan 
circuit. The meeting was pretty well attended, the 
preaching was evangelical, and, of course, profitable ; 
sinners were awakened and converted to God, and 
the Church was enlivened in faith and holiness. How 
delightful is the tented grove, with hundreds of happy 
souls assembling to worship God ! and, how much 
more delightful, when answers of prayer are visible, 
in the awakening of sinners, who, with broken hearts, 
cry to Heaven for mercy! but, how transcendently 
glorious, when the cloud passes away, and the Sun of 
righteousness pours into their mourning hearts the 
rays of heavenly light, and they, with countenances 
beaming with joy, arise, exclaiming, "0 Lord, I 
will praise thee : for though thou wast angry with 
me, thine anger is turned away, and now thou dost 
comfort me!" We had peace and quietness in all 
our borders, and closed up the year with thankfulness 
to God for his protecting care. Many of the mem- 
bers of this charge still live in the affections of the 
writer. May the smile of Heaven cheer us all in the 
close of life! 

24 



282 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER XX. 

GRANVILLE CIRCUIT— SUPE RANNU AT ED . 

September, 1837, I was appointed to Granville 
circuit, with Rev. J. T. Donohoe for my colleague. 
Brother D. is too well known to require a lengthy 
notice here. He was in the regular work in the Ohio 
conference for a long time, then located for several 
years, and was, last year, readmitted, and placed 
upon the superannuated list, in order that he may die 
in connection with the conference which he served so 
many years. Granville was fifty miles from my resi- 
dence in Kingston, the circuit was large, and, believ- 
ing I could not do justice to the work without living 
upon it, I moved my family to that place. We found 
a noble board of stewards, but they were unable to 
procure us a house ; they did, however, succeed in 
renting part of a very poor one. We went at it 
and raised funds and bought a parsonage. It was 
good enough, at that time, but, though still used for 
the purpose, it evidently is some the worse for age. 
Would that the people could realize how much they 
would save themselves and ministers, by keeping com- 
fortable accommodations for the families that lead the 
wearisome life of itinerants ! 

Granville was settled nearly fifty-one years ago, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 283 

by a colony from Granville, Massachusetts. Most of 
the original settlers were Congregationalists. They 
were organized into a Church, under, the pastoral 
direction of the venerable Dr. Cooley, who still lives, 
before leaving for the west. The Congregational 
Church, in Granville, is, therefore, older than the 
town itself. The fiftieth anniversary of their arrival 
on the site of the town, was celebrated by a jubilee, 
in October, 1855, at which Dr. Cooley was present, 
and delivered an address. The Congregationalists, 
having thus preoccupied the ground, have kept the 
ascendency ever since. The membership is large, 
and, under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Little, 
this Church occupies a position of influence and high 
respectability. The Church is Congregational, but 
the pastor is a Presbyterian, of the New School. It 
requires no little skill, patience, and perseverance, to 
keep together so large a membership, composed of 
such variety of material, under a government so 
peculiar. But, with very moderate abilities as a 
preacher, Mr. Little performs this difficult task, 
thereby displaying unusual capabilities as an admin- 
istrator. Perhaps the secret of his success is attribu- 
table to the great personal influence he has acquired, 
by his position among his people, most of whom he 
has known from their youth. 

The Baptists commenced operations here at an 
early day, established a Church, and by making it 
the seat of their College, were enabled to concentrate 
an influence which has raised their Church to a 



284 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

position above that which it occupies in other places 
in the state. Their Church is large, and their Col- 
lege, though prostrate for some years past, is being 
resuscitated, with fair prospect of a career of use- 
fulness. 

The Episcopalians have a respectable Church, and 
a literary institution for females ; but their influence 
in the community is not felt a great deal — though 
some of the best citizens of the place are members 
of that sect. The Presbyterians, and the Calvinistic 
Methodists, each have a congregation of worshipers 
in the Welsh language. Both are rigid Calvinists, 
and why they do not unite, I am unable to tell. 

A note in the stewards' book reads thus : " Meth- 
odism was introduced into Granville, Licking county, 
Ohio, by Rev. James B. Einley, in the year 1810, 
at which time a class was formed in the house of 
Mr. William Gavit, one of the early settlers of the 
place." The place was taken into the Knox circuit, 
in 1811; James Quinn was presiding elder, and Elisha 
W. Bowman circuit preacher. Brother Bowman was, 
therefore, the first preacher who regularly preached 
in Granville, A long list of worthies have followed 
him, and preceded the writer, in this field. The list 
continues : Michael Ellis, David Knox, Samuel West, 
John Solomon, John M'Mahan, Shadrick Ruark, 
Henry Baker, etc. I noticed in the list the names 
of C. Goddard, H. S. Fernandes, L. L. Hamline, 
and others, which will long live in the affections 
of the Church. But, occupied as the ground has 



A SUPERANNUATE. 285 

been by other denominations which had an earlier 
start and superior advantages, Methodism has not 
flourished in Granville, as in many other places; 
and when the circumstances are fully known, the 
wonder is not that it has not prospered so well here 
as elsewhere, but rather that it has lived at all. But 
with all its disadvantages, Methodism has done a 
work for God, even here. Hundreds through her 
instrumentality have been born of the Spirit in this 
place, many of whom have landed safely in heaven, 
and some of whom are upon the walls of Zion, while 
others have emigrated to the far west, leaving a 
"remnant" who still keep the altar-fires burning, 
waiting and trusting that God will enlarge the 
borders of his heritage, and bless his people with 
abundance of prosperity. God grant unto them the 
desire of their hearts ! 

Our first quarterly meeting was held in Granville, 
and was an excellent meeting, all things considered ; 
near twenty gave us their names as probationers for 
membership in the Church. 

The second was held in Etna — a small village 
on the National road. The society was in a cold 
state, and there was little prospect of success; but 
on Friday night, before the regular commencement 
of the quarterly meeting services, I delivered a dis- 
course in which the low state of religion was de- 
scribed, and the operations of unbelief in the heart 
pointed out. I remarked, " You say there will be 
nothing done at this meeting — that is the language 



286 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

of unbelief; I do not believe a word of it. I feel 
assured that God will work at this time." Our faith 
was quickened, and God did work for us gloriously. 
Rev. J. Young was our presiding elder. He preached, 
Saturday, and attended quarterly conference, but was 
out of health and did not get out at night. The 
next morning he told me to attend the love-feast, 
and he thought he would be able to preach at eleven. 
The hour arrived, and he came and attended the 
preliminary services, but, after prayer, he turned to 
me and said, u You will have to preach, I am so 
hoarse I can not do it." There was no time for 
premeditation. I announced a text at once, and 
entered upon its elucidation in the name of Him 
whose presence is promised. I was graciously as- 
sisted. Our meeting increased in interest, power, 
and glory. The services lasted for several days, and 
were profitable to the Church, and to many others. 
On Monday morning, two of the stewards started 
home, but, like the disciples that journeyed to the 
village of Emmaus, they talked by the way of all 
these things, and their hearts warmed as they talked, 
so that they felt they were doing wrong, and resolved 
to return. They did so — and, after coming back, 
they told what had transpired ; they had talked over 
the qualifications pointed out in the book of Disci- 
pline, as necessary to be possessed by stewards, con- 
cluded they did not possess the deep piety required, 
and proposed to resign. I dissuaded them from 
that course, and urged them to seek for more grace. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 287 

At our third quarterly meeting, which was held in 
April, I got wet, took cold, and was, in a short time, 
disabled from preaching. I returned home, and re- 
member putting my horse in the barn, and the next 
I had any knowledge of was, finding myself lying in 
my own bed, very sick. There I lay twelve weeks, 
at the point of death. For a number of weeks, I 
could move neither foot nor hand any more than if 
dead. Many of my friends called in and prayed with 
me, of which I had no knowledge. The amount of 
food taken, within the twelve weeks, might have been 
put in a tea-cup. My life was despaired of by all 
except my dear wife, without whose skillful nursing 
and persevering efforts, I must have died. Almost 
constantly, through those long twelve weeks, was she 
upon her feet, striving to allay the burning fever, and 
to minister to the demands of my helpless body. At 
one time, two physicians said I could not live, and 
the third said I was already dying ; but she would not 
yield ; her trust was in God. To him she looked, by 
him she was sustained, and, under his blessing, my 
life was spared. At about the close of the twelve 
weeks, I was enabled to hold a little conversation 
with my wife, by whispering in broken sentences, in 
which we agreed in reference to my burial, etc. I 
took, as we supposed, my last farewell of my family, 
and viewed myself as just crossing the cold stream. 
I realized no ecstatic joy, neither had I any dread or 
fear. I seemed to be moving calmly out upon the 
dark waters, till the impression became vivid in my 



288 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

mind that I was half over the swellings of Jordan; 
then looking before me, all was light and glorious ; I 
gazed, as I supposed, upon the trees of paradise, 
waving their immortal branches in the winds of 
heaven, and beckoning me to the shore. I fully 
expected to rest, in a few moments, upon the plains 
of light, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the 
redeemed from earth; with my children and friends 
who had died in the Lord; and, above all, with my 
blessed Savior. This was not delirium; my mind 
was clear, and my consciousness distinct; but I can 
scarcely say whether I was more in the body than out 
of the body. It was a blessed night, which I shall 
never forget. The next morning, I was pronounced 
better. Though the improvement was almost imper- 
ceptible, I continued to grow better; and, at our last 
quarterly meeting, some of the friends lifted me into 
a carriage, and took me to it. I appeared to many 
as one risen from the dead. Some had heard that I 
was dead, and none expected me to recover. All 
greeted me with much tenderness and affection, de- 
claring it a privilege to meet me again in the sanc- 
tuary, which they had not expected on earth. It was 
a solemn, weeping, glorious time, but my pen can 
never describe the happiness of that hour. Unin- 
spired language can not express the gratitude of my 
heart, in reviewing the past mercies of my heavenly 
Father. "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord 
from the heavens: praise him in the hights. Praise 
ye him, all his angels : praise ye him, all his hosts. 



A SUPERANNUATE. 289 

Praise ye him, sun and moon : praise him, all ye stars 
of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye 
waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise 
the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they 
were created. He hath also established them forever 
and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not 
pass. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, 
and all deeps: fire and hail; snow and vapor : stormy 
wind fulfilling his word: mountains, and all hills: 
fruitful trees, and all cedars: beasts, and all cattle; 
creeping things, and flying fowl: kings of the earth, 
and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: 
both young men and maidens; old men and chil- 
dren: let them praise the name of the Lord, for his 
name alone is excellent ; his glory is above the earth 
and heaven. He also exalteth the horn of his people, 
the praise of all his saints; even of the children of 
Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord!" 
When the conference for this year — 1838 — sat in 
Columbus, I was able to reach there ; but my limbs 
were swollen, and I was yet so debilitated as to be 
unable to put on and off my clothing without assist- 
ance. Of course, I was not able to take work, but 
took a superannuated relation to the conference, and 
returned home and spent the winter. In April, 1839, 
four appointments were set off from Circleville, and, 
in pursuance of the desire of the membership, the 
presiding elder prevailed with me to take charge of 
them. My old friends made me welcome among 

them, and we had some most delightful meetings. 

25 



290 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

In the month of May, a brother of mine came, 
with his family, and settled close by me. We had 
been separated thirteen years. He is the only rela- 
tive of mine that ever settled in Ohio. Soon after 
his arrival, he and brother R. Green commenced a 
series of meetings a few miles from Johnstown, which 
they continued till God blessed them with a glorious 
revival of religion. Many souls, through their instru- 
mentality, were happily converted to God, and joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and a large portion 
of them still hold on their way. Praise God for con- 
verting power! This brother was very dear to me. 
While I was stationed on Lake Champlain, he made 
me a visit, and God made me instrumental in his 
awakening and conversion. He still lives near by 
me. We often visit each other, and talk of the deep 
things that pertain to the kingdom of God. Here we 
meet and part; but, if faithful a few more days, we 
shall meet where parting is not known. 

" When all our toils are o'er, 
Our sufferings and our pain ; 
Who meet on that eternal shore, 
Shall never part again." 



A SUPERANNUATE. 291 



CHAPTER XXI. 

LITHOPOLIS AND HEBRON CIRCUITS. 

At the conference of 1839, some appointments 
taken from Worthington circuit were added to those 
of which I had charge the latter part of the previous 
year, forming Lithopolis circuit. Upon this work 
I was sent, in connection with brother Jacob Young, 
who had just completed his term as presiding elder 
of the district. We labored together in love, and 
were blessed with some good times. During this 
year, we raised a " centenary subscription " for the 
purpose of building a parsonage in Groveport, a 
small village on the canal, ten miles from Columbus, 
which subsequently became the head-quarters of the 
circuit. 

This charge contained some excellent, old-fashioned 
Methodists. I have before spoken of the Hopewell 
appointment in Grooms's neighborhood, which was 
now connected with Lithopolis ; in the latter place 
were some whose names I cherish with pleasure, as 
also in Groveport. This last place was originally 
called Rarysport, from the fact that it wa3 laid 
out by W. Rary, who did considerable business in 
the produce line ; it was also known by the name 
of Wert's Grove — a Mr. Wert owning part of the 



292 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

land on which it was built. When the village came 
to be incorporated, some strife arose as to the name 
it should bear, both proprietors, with their respective 
friends, contending for the honor. The controversy 
was settled by a " compromise ;" the names of both 
the men were left off, while the " Grove " and the 
"Port" were united, making the very appropriate 
name — Groveport. For many years Methodism 
flourished well in this place. Men of sterling worth 
lived here, some of whom will long be remembered 
by the preachers whose lot it has been to spend a 
year or two on this work. One fact may be named, 
of some significance. It has several times happened 
that the presiding elders on the district, who were 
well acquainted with the work, and whose position 
gave them some advantages in the way of selecting 
their own fields, have closed their term of service 
in that relation, and then taken this circuit. I love 
to think of the old soldiers of the cross — but many 
of them have removed to the Church triumphant, 
while their children occupy their places in the army 
still in the field. 

We held a camp meeting, that year. The site 
selected for the purpose was a beautiful grove 
offered by old brother Needles, between Pickering- 
ton and Columbus. This was in one of the finest 
farming sections in Ohio, and surrounded by a neigh- 
borhood of moral, enterprising, industrious, and, of 
course, prosperous citizens. On the. day appointed 
for preparing the grounds, there . was a general 



A SUPERANNUATE. 293 

turnout. Quite a number of noble-hearted men who 
made no profession, came and took hold manfully; 
we took this as a good omen. The best of order 
prevailed throughout the meeting. I do not recol- 
lect of having occasion to administer reproof but 
once the whole time of the encampment. Every- 
thing moved on delightfully till the last day — 
" the great day of the festival/' Then the "doors 
of the Church" were opened — that is, they were 
announced as open ; for, like the " happy gates of 
Gospel grace," they stand " open night and day" — 
persons were invited to join the Church on proba- 
tion ; they came one after another till about fifty 
names were enrolled as new recruits. Many were 
converted to God, became useful members of the 
Church, and still live to honor their profession ; 
some of them holding official stations, are now stand- 
ing in the fore front in the battle with sin and error. 
Some will read this sketch and say from the heart, 
" Thank God for that meeting ! that was the time 
I started for heaven." God bless them ! May they 
one and all obtain the crown of life ! 

In 1840, our conference sat in Zanesville. Bishop 
Hedding presided with his usual dignity and urbanity 
of manners — a perfect specimen of the refined Chris- 
tian gentleman. He permitted each member, who 
wished, to speak on every question that came up, 
and yet the business was done up with unusual dis- 
patch. The year 1840 will be remembered as the 
time of the most excited political campaign our 



294 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

country has ever known. The business of confer- 
ence was hurried to a close to give the members 
opportunity to reach home in time to vote for the 
man of their choice. I do not mean that the con- 
ference, as such, hurried business for this purpose ; 
but the members doubtless refrained from consuming 
time with long speeches, and from introducing 
matters of an extraneous character, in order that 
the session might not be unnecessarily prolonged. 
Preachers are men, and citizens, and as citizens, 
if not as preachers, they have equal rights and 
privileges, politically, with their fellow-citizens ; and, 
though prudence would always dictate that they 
should not become entangled with the partyisms that 
prevail, so as to hinder their usefulness as ministers, 
they ought not to yield to the bullying cry of 
political demagogues, and be driven from the exer- 
cise of their rights, simply because they are called 
to minister in holy things. They must not only 
"render unto God the things that are God's," but 
they are equally bound to " render unto Caesar the 
things that are Caesar's ;" and in performing this 
latter duty conscientiously, they will find it necessary 
to give the weight of their influence in favor of that 
form of civil government which, to them, appears 
best calculated to promote the interests and happi- 
ness of the people. In a country where the people 
are the sovereigns, no man can innocently stand 
aloof, and allow the elections to go by default, so 
as to raise to offices of trust and power corrupt, 



A SUPERANNUATE. 295 

time-serving politicians, when by attending to his 
privilege and duty he can contribute to hinder such 
unworthy elevations, and promote the election of 
men at least a little better fitted for the responsible 
positions. The right of suffrage, secured to us by 
the organic law of the state and nation, is no less 
a right than a duty ; as good citizens, we can neither 
refuse to vote, nor vote carelessly, under the influ- 
ence of mere party bias ; we owe it to ourselves, 
to the country, and to posterity, to vote, and to vote 
understandingly, with an eye single to the best inter- 
ests of the whole country. Viewing the matter thus, 
we can not find fault even with a body of Christian 
ministers for being anxious to perform this duty of 
citizenship, at a time when grave interests were pend- 
ing; nor can we envy the wisdom or patriotism of 
those partisan tricksters who are forever harping about 
the importance of keeping politics and religion sepa- 
rate. The fact is, politics have been separated too 
far from religion ; men are coming to think it pos- 
sible to be, at the same time, religious saints, and 
political knaves ; and, on the other hand, some are 
looked upon, through party prejudices, as being 
perfect paragons of political purity, while they are 
known to be morally and religiously corrupt. Such 
things ought not to be. 

But we hope to see no more such contests for the 
Presidency. The influence of the political excite- 
ment of 1840, was detrimental to religion. Many 
pious members of the Church, in different places, 



296 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

were led away by the intoxication of the times, and 
"made shipwreck of faith, and a good conscience;" 
while the minds of the irreligious were too much dis- 
sipated to be reached with the serious truths of the 
Gospel. Although it is to be hoped that party 
politics will never again rage as in that year, w r hile 
I w T rite these lines, deprecating the irreligious tend- 
ency of such excitements, there is reason to appre- 
hend a return of similar scenes, during the election 
campaign which is now begun. I pray God to save 
his Church and people from corruption and apostasy ! 
At this conference some appointments were taken 
from Granville, and some from the Rushville circuit, 
and the Hebron circuit organized^ and I was ap- 
pointed to labor on it. The arrangement suited me 
"well; for, having purchased a snug little farm near 
Johnstown, and located my family upon it, this 
work was convenient to my residence. My health 
was not very good, and as very many of my old 
friends lived in the bounds of this new charge, I 
considered myself well favored in receiving this 
appointment. There were some whole-souled Meth- 
odists here of the original type. I found them 
ready to co-operate in the good work, willing to 
bear the cross and make the sacrifices necessary 
to advance the cause of religion. My mind reverts 
to the different preaching-places, and before it rises 
the image of familiar faces, some of whom shall no 
more be seen in this world. Of many I would like 
to speak freely, but must not indulge. There were 



A SUPERANNUATE. 297 

the Pitzers, Brights, Coulters, Siglers, Hulls, Wil- 
sons — but the list extends, suggesting names loved 
and honored as disciples of our blessed Lord; yet I 
must not omit the name of that venerable servant 
and minister of Jesus Christ, Rev. Martin Fate. 
For many long years, when the country was new, and 
Methodism, not being understood, was despised, he 
as a faithful sentinel stood upon the walls of Zion, 
watching for souls as one who should give an account; 
and God made him instrumental in comforting the 
bereaved, in directing the inquiring penitent to the 
cross, and in convincing the gainsayers of the truth 
and beauty of our holy religion. His walk and con- 
versation accorded with the Gospel of Christ, and his 
example of unobtrusive piety exhibited the spirit of 
meekness, faith, and charity, sending out an influ- 
ence more potent for good than can be exerted by 
scores of impetuous, time-serving professors. He 
lived to see his children " walking by the same rule, 
and minding the same things;" and, enjoying a 
"green old age," he lingers in happy expectancy of 
a blessed immortality. "May his sun go down in 
smiles, and bring a pleasing night !" 

In Brownsville we had a small brick chapel, since 
used by brother J. Fluke as a wagon-shop ; but the 
commodious church in which the congregation now 
worship was then building, and it was completed and 
dedicated that year — Rev. Samuel Hamilton preach- 
ing the dedicatory sermon. The friends in Linnville 
built a good church the year previous; in Hebron 



298 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

we had no house, but went to work and secured 
funds for building one, which was afterward done ; 
and it has been the chief ornament of the place since 
its completion. There, too, was George's Chapel — 
a large brick church, one and a half miles from 
Hebron, with a good society and congregation — but 
now, owing to changes in the community, the mem- 
bership are scattered, and the "old brick" is gone — 
as these old tabernacles which we inhabit will soon 
be gone — taken down and applied to some other 
use. The year passed away pleasantly, and I left 
the circuit thankful to God for inclining the hearts 
of this people to bear with my infirmities, and to 
sympathize with me in my afflictions and toils. Thus 
closed the third year after the severe sickness which 
brought me to the grave's mouth. 



A SUPERANNUATE, 299 



CHAPTER XXII. 

GLANCE AT SEVERAL YEARS-CONCLUSION. 

In 1841, I was on the Granville circuit in company 
with Rev. W. T. Hand and J. A. Bruner — two effi- 
cient and agreeable companions in labor. My family 
lived in the bounds of this work, and, having previ- 
ously traveled the circuit, I was well acquainted with 
the people, and felt myself at home among them. 
Rev. R. 0. Spencer was presiding elder. He was a 
good theologian, a faithful, affectionate preacher, and 
a warm-hearted Christian. He filled the office with 
dignity and usefulness — but he is still in the good 
work, and I will indulge in no further remarks in 
reference to him, in this place. We all united, heart 
and hand in the " labor of love," and were soon 
permitted to see that our " labor was not vain in the 
Lord/' The Spirit of God fell upon the people, 
quickening believers and convicting sinners, causing 
the powers of darkness to tremble. Penitent souls 
were led to cry out, "What must we do to be 
saved?" We stood ready to point them to the Lamb 
of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and 
witnessed the conversion of a large number. 

My son, C. W. Lewis, lived about two miles from 
Johnstown, where he and the neighbors erected a 



300 RECOLLECTIONSOF 

log meeting-house, in which, when it was finished, we 
held a protracted meeting, and, through the divine 
mercy, we had a glorious time of refreshing from 
the presence of the Lord. Many were awakened and 
converted, and taking these with some members who 
lived in the vicinity, we organized a large society. 
My brother, of whom I have spoken, and this son, 
who had been preaching for some time, rendered us 
efficient aid during this meeting. 

At another place, brother Bruner and myself held a 
protracted meeting in a log-house, which, all things 
considered, excelled any thing of the kind I ever wit- 
nessed. We took in about ninety members, some of 
whom, alas! have " fallen away; " but others remain 
steadfast, and are now living members in the Church. 
In the spring, brother Hand and myself held a pro- 
tracted meeting in the town of Granville, which was 
an excellent meeting, the fruit of which yet remains. 
Here, a young lady, reared by Major Warren, sought 
and obtained peace in Christ, and the day following 
her conversion, I visited the Major and family. The 
young lady, in answer to a question, said she was 
still happy. I conversed with the Major, and learned 
from him, that he thought it right and proper to have 
meetings on the Sabbath, but saw no propriety in 
having services through the week. I urged him to 
attend, but he would not promise. I had prayer and 
left, not much expecting to see him again, while the 
meeting lasted ; but he was in the congregation that 
night. The next day he came again, and, when 



A SUPERANNUATE. 301 

mourners were invited to the altar, he arose delib- 
erately, and came forward. While upon his knees, he 
requested us to take his name as a probationer, which 
we did, and he was shortly afterward enabled to em- 
brace the Savior by faith, and has continued in the 
narrow way till the present time. In November — 
1855 — he was smitten down with a stroke of palsy, 
and remains in a very feeble condition, with little 
prospect of restoration of bodily health, but enjoys a 
cheering hope of immortality and eternal life, which 
is as an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, sus- 
taining his spirits, and affording him holy comforts, 
under the trying providences through which he is 
called to pass. 

"VVe had other special meetings on the circuit, which 
were attended with good success ; but I must not par- 
ticularize ; the year closed happily. I look back 
upon it with pleasure, and know not that I can ex- 
press my feelings in regard to it better than by 
repeating the well-known doxology — 

" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ,* 
Praise him, all creatures here below ; 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host ; 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." 

In 1842, I was appointed to the Blendon circuit, 
without a colleague. The Rev. Nathan Emory was 
then living on the circuit, sustaining a superannuated 
relation to the conference; but, being able to do some 
work, he was employed to fill the vacancy. He was 
formerly a member of the New York conference — was 



302 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

a man of noble, generous impulses — a good theologian, 
and delighted to point out, to inquiring hearers, the 
way of life and salvation, through the blessed Re- 
deemer. In the days of his strength, he filled some 
important stations in the Church, and always acquit- 
ted himself well. He lived to a good old age, and 
died, a few years ago, in cjear prospect of heaven. 
We labored together in harmony, and with some suc- 
cess. It was not a year of extensive revival influence, 
though we were favored with reasonable prosperity. 
The high school was then flourishing at Westerville, 
under the direction of brothers Kingsley and Blair. 
Brothers Ingals, Westervelt, and Lonnis, were there 
in course of preparation for the ministry. The Insti- 
tution has passed into the hands of the United 
Brethren, and, under the patronage of that denom- 
ination, it is enjoying a fair degree of prosperity as 
the Otterbein University. At our last quarterly 
meeting conference, the three young brethren named 
were recommended for the traveling connection, and, 
at the next session of the Ohio conference, they were 
admitted on trial. Brother Ingals is now a member 
of the Iowa conference ; brother Westervelt died in 
the work, several years ago ; and brother Lonnis is 
still a member of the Ohio conference. 

It was that year that the great Millerite excitement 
swept over the country. It became, for a time, the 
main topic of conversation in many places — some 
were alarmed — some became serious — some went 
crazy, and others treated the whole matter with 



A SUPERANNUATE. 303 

indifference. It was a fearful delusion, the effects of 
which have not yet terminated. In many places, that 
year, large numbers flocked into the Churches, whose 
minds were probably brought to bear on the subject 
of religion, under the influence of that excitement ; 
and, it is altogether likely, that some, by that means, 
became good Christians — nevertheless, the evils at- 
tending the propagation of Millerism, were apparent 
to all candid observers. It was a grand deception ; 
yet, perchance, the good Being made it the occasion 
of the awakening of some who were really converted. 
He can overrule evil so as to bring good out of it, 
without sanctifying the evil. On the other hand, it 
may not be contrary to his plan of providence to 
permit such delusions to prevail as a scourge to the 
Churches for their indifference to the true objects of 
their holy mission. At all events, the prevalence of 
such heresies should serve as warnings to Christians, 
of every name, never to relax their efforts for the 
maintenance of sound doctrines and pure morality. 

Here, as in all other places where I have traveled, 
there were some members whose light, like the city 
upon the hill, could not be hid. Such are, indeed, 
the "salt of the earth." Praise God, religion is the 
same every-where! It enlightens the eyes, makes 
wise the simple, rejoices the heart, and, in a word, it 
exalts man to his proper dignity, fits him for living 
and for dying, and qualifies him to live forever with 
the holy and the happy in heaven. Having finished 
the work, made new class-books, etc., I started to 



304 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

conference, praying God to pardon all he had seen 
amiss in preachers or people, and to direct in the 
appointments for the coming year. 

In 1843, at the session of conference held in Chil- 
licothe, there were some appointments taken from the 
Granville charge, and formed into a separate two- 
weeks' circuit, called Johnstown circuit. Here I was 
appointed to labor. This was home work. Having 
traveled over the ground two years, while it was con- 
nected with Granville, I was well acquainted with the 
people. No time was lost from moving, or other 
causes, but I entered at once upon the work of visit- 
ing from house to house, talking and praying with the 
families, and preaching nearly every day in the week. 
I probably prepared more new pulpit subjects, this 
year, than any one year of my life. I had preached 
a great many times to this people, and felt anxious 
to feed them with food convenient for them — some 
with "milk/' and some with "strong meat," that they 
might grow thereby. We had no special revival, yet 
the people lived in the unity of the Spirit and the 
bond of peace. Love and harmony prevailed through 
all our borders. It was a year of real profit to my- 
self. In applying my mind to books, in studying the 
holy Bible, seeking to bring forth from that store- 
house of knowledge things new and old, I found great 
delight. Some incidents occurred worthy of record, 
but space will not permit me to dwell. 

In 1844, I was appointed to Irville circuit, in con- 
nection with Rev. Samuel Hamilton. We labored 



A SUPERANNUATE. 305 

together as brethren, in love and harmony, had some 
good times, but no special revival; the circuit was 
large, and the work was pretty heavy. In 1845, I 
went to the Hebron circuit with brother P. A. Mutch- 
ner, who has long since departed this life, in full 
prospect of the heavenly glory. This was a year of 
some prosperity. In 1846, I was returned with Rev. 
Wesley Webster, now of the Cincinnati conference, a 
worthy, faithful preacher, and a most amiable col- 
league. We had some revivals during the year, and 
closed up, thankful to God for comforting and sus- 
taining grace. This was a warm-hearted people, who 
exerted themselves to meet their obligations to the 
Church and ministry with promptness and fidelity. 

In 1847, the Thornville circuit was my field of 
labor, and Rev. Benjamin Ellis my colleague. The 
year passed away pleasantly, closing with a camp 
meeting, which was held four miles from Rushville, 
and resulted in fortv accessions to the Church, most 
of whom found redemption, in the blood of Christ. 
This was a glorious meeting. The numbers present 
on Sabbath were estimated, by good judges, at fifteen 
thousand. Rev. J. M. Jameson was presiding elder. 
He filled the office well, and met the responsibilities 
of this occasion to admiration. He still lives to do 
battle in the Lord's army — an affable man, and an 
able minister of the New Testament. 

In 1848, I traveled the Granville circuit, with Rev. 

C. C. Lybrand. My appointment, this year, was to 

Irville, and Rev. James Gilruth was appointed to 

26 



306 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Granville; but it was ascertained, after conference 
closed, that brother G. had only been absent from 
that circuit three years, and could not constitutionally 
travel it this year. So a change was effected, he 
going to Irville and I to Granville. In 1849, my 
name was attached to Hebron circuit, as supernu- 
merary. The next year I traveled Baltimore circuit 
with Rev. A. B. See, a warm-hearted brother, a good 
preacher, and a pleasant enough colleague for any 
man. In 1851, with Rev. Archibald Fleming, I 
went upon the Pickerington circuit. Brother F. 
was, like most of those of whom I have had occasion 
to speak, a lovely man of God. I was returned, the 
next year, with brother Richard Pitzer. We had a 
very prosperous year. Brother P. is a zealous, faith- 
ful laborer. He follows the direction of Solomon, 
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy 
might." Pickerington is one of the best little cir- 
cuits in the conference. 

In 1853, I was appointed to the Groveport circuit, 
with brother S. M. Merrill, my last colleague; and 
this was my last circuit. The connection of brother 
M. with the preparation of this volume, precludes 
remarks. Before this year closed, my health failed, 
and I was compelled to retire from the field. Thank 
God ! that, upon retiring, I could say, of a truth, that 
I never retreated from the hottest of the battle ! In 
my humble way, I ever sought to advance the cause 
of truth and piety; and now, in reviewing the past, 
my conscience bears me witness that my motives have 



A SUPERANNUATE. 307 

been pure ; and it is a source of great satisfaction to 
me to be able to say and feel that my endeavors have 
not been altogether unavailing. 

In September, 1854, I received a superannuated 
relation to the conference, and from that time to this, 
August, 1856, I have only been able to preach an 
occasional sermon. At times, it has been difficult for 
me to pray in my family; at other times, my voice 
has been better, so that I could preach with such 
apparent ease that the hearers would not suspect the 
labor caused me any pain. For the greater part of 
the time, I have enjoyed uninterrupted communion 
with my heavenly Father, and felt a comforting as- 
surance that, if my earthly house of this tabernacle 
were dissolved, I have a building of God, a house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. How 
good the Lord is ! 

I used to imagine that, if I should live to be super- 
annuated, I would become a lugubrious old man, and 
feel like retiring from society, and shutting myself 
up in some unfrequented place, to linger out the 
"evil days" in hermit loneliness. Thank Grod! such 
is not the case. Never in my life did I enjoy the 
society of friends better than now. To go out and 
mingle with those whose kind words and friendly 
voices cheered me in the days of my toil, is to me 
like living life over again. This I am sometimes per- 
mitted to do ; and I find the same warm hearts and 
open hands ready to greet me, and the same willing- 
ness to hear what words I can yet utter in honor of 



308 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the name of my precious Savior. Praise God for 
friends and friendship ! 

And now let me glance over the past. The provi- 
dence of God hath led me in a way that I knew not. 
Reared in the Baptist Church to the years of man- 
hood, without any particular inclination to public life, 
and with only such advantages for education as the 
common schools afford, the idea could not possibly 
have entered my mind, when setting out in life, that 
I should ever become a Methodist preacher; but so it 
is. More than forty years of my life have been spent 
in this work. My pathway has been checkered; the 
" lights and shades" of itinerancy have alternated in 
my experience; but, in reviewing the past, I must 
say, that " goodness and mercy have followed me all 
the days of my life." Some of the dispensations of 
Providence have been not only mysterious, but sorely 
afflictive; yet, in the hour of darkness, when earthly 
comforts fled, and lowering clouds overspread my 
spiritual sky, I trusted in the Lord, " endured as 
seeing the invisible," and, through his abounding 
grace, my soul found refuge and safety. In Clinton 
county, in the state of New York, on the shore of 
Lake Champlain, we consigned to the grave the mor- 
tal remains of two lovely babes. In Washington 
county, of the same state, stands a stone sacred to 
the memory of Betsey, the daughter, of whose death 
I have already spoken. In Albany county, sleeps the 
dust of another tender babe. In Ross county, Ohio, 
lie the two sons whose deaths were mentioned. And 



A SUPERANNUATE. 309 

in Sangamon county, Illinois, the body of my son, 
Calvin Wesley, rests in hope. " The Lord gave, and 
the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name 
of the Lord !" All of these which had come to years, 
died triumphantly. Sleep on, dear children ! Rest in 
peace till the angel of God shall sound the trumpet, 
when the dead shall rise incorruptible! Then shall 
ye come forth, glorious and immortal, with the tri- 
umphant shout, "0 death, where is thy sting? 
grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is 
sin, and the strength of sin is the law ; but thanks be 
to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord 
Jesus Christ !" 

Most of my family have preceded me to that land 
which is very far off, where the inhabitants never say 
they are sick, where all darkness is excluded, where 
light, pure, unsullied and uninterrupted, reigns for- 
ever. There is the absence of all pain, and the pres- 
ence of all ease — the absence of mortality with its 
concomitant ills, and the presence of immortality with 
all its attendant blessings. Blessed world ! we may 
not, while in the flesh, conceive of its unrevealed 
glories, but, happy for us if, with St. John, we can 
say, " Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it 
doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know 
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; 
for we shall see him as he is." This is enough! 
" We shall be like him;" like the spiritual, immortal, 
glorified body of Jesus Christ ! what stupendous 
grace ! What boundless love ! Let us fall at the 



310 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

feet of Jesus, and adore the God and Rock of our 
salvation, who hath brought life and immortality to 
light through the Gospel ! Most of my seniors have 
passed on before me, and many of my juniors have 
departed this life, while I remain, much like the soli- 
tary tree in the open field, exposed to the sweeping 
blasts of this stormy world ; but, unworthy though I 
be, God is my refuge and defense, my shield and 
buckler, my high tower and my salvation. His lov- 
ing-kindness is better than life, and my lips shall 
praise him. 

Now that my days of active service in the Church 
are past, I may be permittted to speak plainly on a 
point of some importance, and yet of such delicacy 
that, under other circumstances, I could not dwell 
upon it without exposing myself to suspicions of 
selfishness. I refer to the support of preachers. 
If the Disciplinary allowance had been the same that 
it is now from the commencement of my itinerant 
life, and if my receipts had been the same under 
that provision that they actually have been, the 
aggregate of my deficiencies would have amounted 
to about four thousand dollars. The fact that the 
allowance in former years was less than now, de- 
creases this deficiency somewhat, but the statement 
illustrates the results of that policy which allows 
the laborers to go off from their charges year after 
year, without receiving their full claims. They are 
sometimes compelled to retire, after many years of 
toil, without any means of support, when the aggre- 



A SUPERANNUATE. 311 

gate of the little mites not received from their various 
charges, would be sufficient to render them comfort- 
able, and smooth their pathway to the tomb, crown- 
ing the evening of their lives with tranquil joy. 

I write not for myself — through the blessing of a 
kind Providence, my own wants are not so urgent 
as are the wants of others — but I can sympathize 
with the worn-out and needy, as men in the prime 
of life can not ; and, in behalf of all those who have 
spent their physical and mental energies in the glo- 
rious work of the Christian ministry, I appeal to the 
liberality, the conscience, the piety, the magnanimity 
of the Church! Brethren, let the claims of these 
be considered; think upon them for good; remember 
them in prayers and offerings; make their hearts 
glad with your munificence, and the blessings of old 
men, with the benedictions of their God will rest 
upon you. And now, dear reader, I close. I bid 
you adieu till we shall meet in the better world. But 
in taking my leave of you, I invoke the divine bless- 
ing upon us all, during our remaining days, in the 
language of the poet: 

" May the grace of Christ our Savior, 

And the Father's boundless love, 
With the Holy Spirit's favor 

Rest upon us from above : 
Thus may we abide in union 

With each other and the Lord, 
And possess, in sweet communion, 

Joys which earth can not afford !" 






Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724) 779-21 1 1 



